COVID-19 and COPD

A meta-analysis of seven different studies published in The Lancet looked at how COVID-19 affected patients with existing COPD symptoms. Another study, done in China in early 2020 arrived at a case fatality rate of about 2.3% of all COVID-19 cases, but those diagnosed with COPD or other chronic respiratory diseases had a significantly higher case fatality rate of 6.3%.

COPD is diagnosed with the help of a spirometry test, which looks at how deeply a person can breathe to get a sense of how fast air can move in and out of the lungs of the patient. Whereas the new COVID-19 infection is due to the presence of the virus—the test for it is done after taking nasal or throat swabs, samples of which are studied under using the sophisticated RT-PCR test to determine the presence of the virus.

Much like the symptoms of COPD, even COVID-19 patients have presented with pneumonia-like symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough or excessive sputum or mucus production. 

Existing lung damage can make it difficult for the lungs to ward off infections, which is why patients with underlying conditions such as COPD are advised to remain indoors as much as possible, or in less-polluted areas, irrespective of COVID-19. (Read more: COVID-19 prevention tips for the elderly and those with lifelong diseases)

Patients with COPD are often advised to use external devices to assist with their breathing such as nebulisers to inhale their medications—nebulisers can generate respiratory aerosols.

According to the American Lung Association, people with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD, or even lung cancer, have been advised to exercise extra caution towards their health. 

Those with chronic respiratory illnesses are also advised to keep taking their regular medications, closely monitor their health and report any changes to their healthcare specialist.

Global health authorities had identified those living with comorbidities or even senior citizens above the age of 65 to be at a higher risk of contracting severe symptoms of the disease due to their weakened immune systems. Governments, as a result, have imposed restrictions on the movement of their citizens, with senior citizens advised to remain indoors for as long as possible, and get their regular health check-ups via video conferencing or over the telephone to minimise the chances of infection.

Some general advice for people to avoid infection include: 

• Practise extreme physical distancing as much as possible, i.e., maintaining two metres or six-feet distance from others. 
• Remain at home unless you need urgent medical care or attention. Even then, wear a mask when you step out.
• Avoid touching your face
• Wash your hands with soap and water, periodically and for 20 seconds each time.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue paper or your elbow.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Keep a regular supply of home supplies to avoid stepping out regularly.
• Get items delivered where possible but insist on a contactless delivery, and disinfect the containers of the supplies before taking the contents out of their packaging.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, computers, mobile phones, TV remotes regularly
• Smokers, who have a higher risk of suffering from chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, are also advised to avoid smoking as it will allow the respiratory system to become stronger, especially against a new disease such as COVID-19.