Half of asthma sufferers have reported experiencing an increase in symptoms during the coronavirus outbreak, a study has found.
The Aberdeen-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF), Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity, said it had been surveying hundreds of people with the condition across the UK.
About 5.4 million people in Britain receive treatment for asthma and the current medical advice is for them to adhere to strict social distancing measures during the pandemic, with those diagnosed as having severe asthma advised to adopt shielding measures for an extended period.
AAF provides free evidence-based health information, confidential advice and support to people with asthma, their families, carers and friends.
In a ongoing survey being conducted by the charity to understand the impact of the outbreak on people living with asthma, 80% of respondents said they were worried about themselves, or a family member, becoming infected.
About 50% had noticed an increase in their asthma symptoms, while 50% also reported that the outbreak was having a negative impact on their mental health.
Dami Jaiyesimi, AAF health promotion manager, said: “This a difficult time for everyone, especially people with asthma who are classed as high risk of severe complications from Covid-19.
“We remain committed, now more than ever, to providing vital support and advice to families managing asthma on how to protect themselves, others and stay healthy during and beyond.”
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, chief executive of the charity, said: “As someone living with asthma, I don’t know how I would have coped without the invaluable support and reassurance from my colleagues in health promotion.
“I will urge anyone with asthma to get in touch with the team, even if it is just for a friendly chat”.
The AAF said the most important thing for people with asthma to do at this time is to follow their asthma action plan to reduce the risk of symptoms, keep taking medications as prescribed by their doctor, and seek immediate medical assistance if their asthma is getting worse or they are having an asthma attack.
The charity can be contacted by emailing info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk or calling 01224 973001.