Exploring Asthma as a Protective Factor in COVID-19 Outcomes.

Int J Mol Sci

Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA.

Published: February 2025


Category Ranking

98%

Total Visits

921

Avg Visit Duration

2 minutes

Citations

20

Article Abstract

Asthma has long been associated with increased susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, leading to significant exacerbations and poorer clinical outcomes. Contrarily and interestingly, emerging data and research surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that patients with asthma infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced decreased severity of disease, lower hospitalization rates, as well as decreased morbidity and mortality. Research has shown that eosinophils could enhance immune defense against viral infections, while inhaled corticosteroids can assist in controlling systematic inflammation. Moreover, reduced ACE-2 expression in individuals with asthma may restrict viral entry, and the Th2 immune response may offset the Th1 response typically observed in severe COVID-19 patients. These factors may help explain the favorable outcomes seen in asthmatic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review highlights potential protective mechanisms seen in asthmatic patients, including eosinophilia, the use of inhaled corticosteroids, reduced ACE-2 expression, and a dominate Th2 immune response. Such a study will be helpful to better manage patients with asthma who have contracted COVID-19.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855143PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041678DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

covid-19 pandemic
8
patients asthma
8
inhaled corticosteroids
8
reduced ace-2
8
ace-2 expression
8
th2 immune
8
immune response
8
asthmatic patients
8
covid-19
5
patients
5

Similar Publications

Background: Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, ~10-35% of COVID-19 patients experience long COVID (LC), in which debilitating symptoms persist for at least three months. Elucidating biologic underpinnings of LC could identify therapeutic opportunities.

Methods: We utilized machine learning methods on biologic analytes provided over 12-months after hospital discharge from >500 COVID-19 patients in the IMPACC cohort to identify a multi-omics "recovery factor", trained on patient-reported physical function survey scores.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Long COVID and Food Insecurity in US Adults, 2022-2023.

JAMA Netw Open

September 2025

Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Importance: Long COVID (ie, post-COVID-19 condition) is a substantial public health concern, and its association with health-related social needs, such as food insecurity, remains poorly understood. Identifying modifiable risk factors like food insecurity and interventions like food assistance programs is critical for reducing the health burden of long COVID.

Objective: To investigate the association of food insecurity with long COVID and to assess the modifying factors of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation and employment status.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Caregiver Burden and 30-Day Emergency Department Revisits.

JAMA Netw Open

September 2025

Centre de recherche intégrée pour un système apprenant en santé et services sociaux, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, Québec, Canada.

Importance: Caregivers of community-dwelling older adults play a protective role in emergency department (ED) care transitions. When the demands of caregiving result in caregiver burden, ED returns can ensue.

Objective: To develop models describing whether caregiver burden is associated with ED revisits and hospital admissions up to 30 days after discharge from an initial ED visit.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF