Correct treatment regimen and inhalation technique are the components of success in bronchial asthma in the era of COVID-19

Abstract

The goal of Asthma treatment is to achieve a controlled condition, that is, to minimize the burden of symptoms and the risk of exacerbations. Many factors hinder the achievement of this goal: non-compliance with recommendations for drug therapy, the influence of concomitant diseases, the impact of triggers, low patient adherence to prescribed treatment, violation of inhalation technique. In general, there is no significant difference in the risk of hospitalization or mortality due to COVID-19 in patients with Asthma. At the same time, studies show that non-allergic Asthma, severe Asthma, Asthma in combination with obesity, lack of adequate basic therapy can create the greatest risk of infection and severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Asthma can be a predictor of a prolonged intubation period in severe respiratory failure during COVID-19, especially in people younger than 65 years. GINA experts agree that during a pandemic, it is especially important that patients with Asthma continue taking basic therapy, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), as prescribed by the recommendations. ICS therapy in combination with long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) is the main pharmacological method of treating moderate and severe Asthma in adolescents and adults. A single inhaler regimen with the use of a combination of ICS/formoterol is associated with a lower risk of severe exacerbations compared with supportive treatment of ICS/LABA in combination with SABA on demand. Studies show that the technique of inhalation maneuver can significantly affect the success of therapy. A wide variety of DPI causes problems with the choice and use by patients.