Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Respiratory Symptoms and Asthma Control in Pediatric Patients with Asthma

Abstract

Objective: After Covid-19 infection, many patients complain of persistent symptoms. There are limited studies evaluating the long-term consequences of COVID-19, in pediatric patients with asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the persistence of symptoms and asthma control in asthmatic children during follow-up after COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: Children with asthma who were admitted to our hospital between March 11, 2020, and August 31, 2021, for COVID-19 infection were included. Patients were evaluated for long- term symptoms and asthma control through phone interviews at least 6 months after infection. Results: Eighty-five children with asthma were evaluated. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. Patients experiencing symptoms after 1 month, 3 month and 6 month of COVID were 45.8% (n:39), 30.6% (n:26), and 23.5% (n:20) respectively. The most common symptom was cough. No significant relationship was found between time period from the date of COVID-19 to phone call and symptom persistence. Patients adopting a new pet and having stress were significantly higher in group of patients having symptoms at first month. Frequency of being well controlled was not different before and at 1 and 6 month of infection. Conclusion: This study suggests that respiratory symptoms may persist in pediatric asthma patients for an extended period after COVID-19 infection.