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HomeFactsIs Asthma An Underlying Condition

Is Asthma An Underlying Condition

Stay The Course With Asthma Meds

Is it more than âjust asthmaâ?? Understanding the sources of underlying inflammation

Clinicians typically recommend managing asthma with twotypes of inhalers. Quick-relief inhalers, known as bronchodilators, openairways on an as-needed basis, while inhaled corticosteroids are used to manageinflammation in the long term. We already advise patients to use theirinhalers at the first sign of a cough or wheeze, Klements explains. Thatrecommendation still holds true now. Follow the instructions on your asthma actionplan.

For all patients with asthma, McCarty reports thatclinicians are opting to use inhalers with spacers rather than nebulizers todeliver asthma meds. You can use a nebulizer at home, if this is your childspreferred method to take their asthma medicine. The hospital, as well asclinics, is now avoiding the use of nebulizers, so that the mist from them willnot carry germs into the air. Were hopeful that this approach will helpdecrease the chances of spreading COVID-19, she says.

While this can be a scary time for kids with asthma and their families, prevention still remains the best medicine. There isnt any secret formula, she says. The most effective things families can do right now are to protect against COVID-19 and keep asthma under control.

Get more answers about Boston Childrens response to COVID-19.

What If I Have Asthma

Only severe asthma counts. If you have mild or moderate asthma, you do not qualify under Phase 1b. The rate of severe asthma in Australia is under 4%, so most people who have asthma do not have severe asthma and so the vast majority dont qualify under 1b.

If you take a high dose preventer every day and still need to use your reliever puffer more than twice a week, then that is counted as severe.

It may also be counted as severe if you cannot reduce your preventer dose without having an asthma attack even if you currently have the right mix of medications to keep your asthma under control.

If you have other chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis or interstitial lung disease, then you are eligible for a vaccine under Phase 1b.

Allergy & Asthma Foundation Of America : What People With Asthma Need To Know About Face Masks And Coverings

AAFA: COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools

EPA’s Indoor Air and COVID-19

Asthma and risk of infection, hospitalisation, ICU admission and mortality from COVID-19

A new systematic review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of people with asthma among COVID-19 patients is similar to the global prevalence of asthma. The overall findings suggest that people with asthma have a lower risk than those without asthma for acquiring COVID-19 and have similar clinical outcomes.

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What Is Aviva Moratorium Underwriting For Health Plan

Do you have an unresolved medical condition right now?

Be careful, insurers can decline or postpone your application in such an instance. Most agents will not tell you that.This post is on the AVIVA Moratorium underwriting and how it helps you..

** Please note that as of Jan2019,

Aviva moratorium is no longer available for new purchase**

But if you are an existing policyholder of AVIVA myshield with moratorium underwriting please continue reading onâ¦.

The Aviva moratorium underwriting is unique because it is very easy to get accepted.

There wonât be an exclusion letter or a postponement letter in the application process.

But there is SERIOUS confusion about how it works .

Some think that it covers pre-existing condition . Read onâ¦

There are 2 main criteria before application .

Firstly, you do not have the following list of pre-existing conditions that are permanently excluded under the policy.

These conditions are quite severe in nature. ANSWER has to be NO.

If answer is YES, the AVIVA moratorium underwriting cannot be offered to you and you would have to do full medical underwriting.

It will also be hard for your plan to get accepted.

Secondly, you were not deferred or declined an insurance before. ANSWER has to be NO.

If answer is YES, the AVIVA moratorium underwriting cannot be offered to you and you would have to do full medical underwriting.

If you are applying for your child, read this

1) Has the child ever had, or have been told or been treated for:

Before The Affordable Care Act Also Known As Obamacare Was Passed In 2010 Patients With Pre

Asthma sufferers encouraged to continue the use of their medication ...
  • Pay significantly more for health insurance

  • Go without health insurance

Insurance companies included a broad range of health problems under the pre-existing conditions label not just chronic illnesses or injuries, but also common health problems like asthma, high blood pressure, and allergies. Pre-existing conditions also applied to a persons family health history. For example, if your father had diabetes, you might not be eligible for coverage or could face higher premiums.

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Wash Your Hands Properly And Often

Use soap and warm water to wash your hands for 20 to 30 seconds. Always wash your hands before and after eating and after coughing or sneezing. Dont touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you dont have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol .

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How To Stay Safe

One of the best ways to stay safe with asthma during the pandemic is to follow public health guidance to lower the risk of catching COVID-19:

  • Continue asthma medication as prescribed.
  • Follow your asthma action plan.
  • Keep a 30-day supply of medicines at home.
  • Wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with others, and socially distance where possible.
  • When washing your hands, wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a face mask in public settings and where social distancing is not possible.
  • Avoid crowded situations.
  • Practice self-monitoring.
  • Avoid contact with people who are unwell.
  • If someone in your home becomes unwell, follow medical guidance and isolation advice to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in your home.

Read Also: What Is An Asthma Attack Like

General Precautions For People With Respiratory Conditions

General tips for those with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis include the following:

  • Take your medication as prescribed and manage your symptoms as well as you can.
  • Get the flu shot. If you have flu symptoms call your doctor. There are treatments for the flu. However, a flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19.
  • Get the pneumococcal vaccine if recommended by your provider. This will also not protect you against COVID-19, though.
  • If you smoke, theres never been a better time to stop. Smoking will increase your risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.

Help From Nhs Volunteers

Cardiac Asthma: Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Many people who have to stay home for their own protection can now access help from the 750,000 NHS volunteers who have signed up to help. The services NHS volunteers can offer include:

  • Collecting and delivering shopping and other essential supplies.
  • Delivering medicines from pharmacies.
  • Bringing them home from hospital.
  • Making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.
  • Transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS.

People who are eligible for help include:

  • Anyone who has been advised to self-isolate and shield themselves.
  • Over-70s who have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system conditions such as Parkinsons disease or multiple sclerosis.
  • People who are self-isolating who GPs consider especially vulnerable.

If you think you may be eligible, please contact your GP practice . They can refer you to this service.

This article was updated on 25th March following new government advice recommending that everyone should stay home where possible.

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The Risk Of Complications From Covid

Theres still much we dont know about the new coronavirus and its effects on health especially in kids. That said, chronic lung disease, including asthma, was the most common underlying condition among 345 children with COVID-19 for whom information on underlying conditions was available, according to the latest report on children and COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . That may be because, like asthma, COVID-19 can affect the respiratory tract, making it difficult to breathe.

The takeaway? Like any other virus or respiratory illness,COVID-19 can trigger asthma, says McCarty. That means its even moreimportant to take precautions.

If I Think I Have Covid

If you start having symptoms of COVID-19, get tested or take an at-home test. If you have mild symptoms and are not at high risk for having more severe COVID-19, you do not need to call your doctor. Call your local health department within 24 hours to let them know so they accurately report local cases.

If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19, call your doctor within 24 hours if you test positive. They may want to you to take the medicine Paxlovid.

Many pharmacies have various testing options . The United States Postal Services is providing free at-home COVID-19 tests. U.S. households can get eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for free. To receive them, youll need to complete an online form. Please note: You will not need to enter any credit or debit card details to place the order.

Some doctors may offer telehealth . If that is an option, ask your insurance company if telehealth is covered under your plan. And if you have Medicare, you might be able to have a virtual visit with your doctor. The government expanded the coverage of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay home and isolate from family members so you dont spread the coronavirus to other people.

Medical Review, July 2022 by Mitchell Grayson, MD

Also Check: Is Asthma A Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What You Need To Know

  • A person with any of the medical conditions listed below is more likely to get very sick with COVID-19. If you have one of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider about how best to protect yourself from severe illness from COVID-19.
  • The list below does not include all possible conditions that put you at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you have questions about a condition not included on this list, talk to your healthcare provider about how best to manage your condition and protect yourself from COVID-19.
  • Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and following preventive measures for COVID-19 are important. This is especially important if you are older or have severe health conditions or more than one health condition, including those on the list below.
  • Approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
  • Some people who are immunocompromised, or people with weakened immune systems, may be eligible for an additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Should Pregnant Women Worry

SBS Language

There is no evidence yet that pregnant women are at increased risk if they catch coronavirus, but the government is saying mums-to-be should be extra cautious for now. Like anyone, they should take steps to avoid infection. They are among people who should be âparticularly stringentâ in following the official advice.

Pregnant healthcare workers are advised:

  • If you are less than 28 weeks pregnant and have no underlying health conditions you should practise social distancing but can continue to work, but avoid, where possible, caring for patients with suspected coronavirus infection, through the use of personal protective equipment and risk assessment.
  • If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant or at any stage of pregnancy an also have underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, avoid direct contact with patients.

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Can You Get Sick With Covid

Yes, people can still catch the virus after vaccination. CDC calls these vaccine breakthrough cases. However, most people who do get COVID-19 post-vaccination develop mild symptoms and are less likely to get hospitalized or die from the virus.

Remember, no vaccine is 100% effective. In clinical trials, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was shown to be 95% effective in preventing symptomatic illness. The Moderna vaccine was shown to be 94.5% effective in preventing symptomatic illness. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 85% effective in preventing severe or critical COVID-19 and 66% effective in preventing moderate illness. And the Novavax was 90.4% effective in preventing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.

Coronavirus And Underlying Conditions

“Coronavirus can affect everyone. But those with chronic health problems are more at risk because they are typically older. Older patients seem particularly vulnerable to coronavirus, especially those over the age of 80,” Dr Henderson explains.

“This can be coupled with an underlying health condition, putting their immune system under increased pressure.”

This means their bodies are not “well equipped” to deal with COVID-19, Gall says.

“That means that while the symptoms may come across as fairly mild, to one person they may be potentially deadly, especially to those with chronic respiratory problems or heart disease, whose organs aren’t functioning at full capacity.”

COVID-19 coronavirus: what is an underlying health condition?

Read Also: What Is An Asthma Cough

Sign Your Policy And Start Paying Premiums

The insurance company will send the finalized policy to you. Its a paper contract that outlines all the terms and conditions of your policy including coverage amount, premiums, method of payment, riders, exclusions, and so on. Read it carefully. When you are satisfied that you understand your policy and agree to the terms, sign two copies and mail one back to the insurer. Keep your copy in a safe place and let your beneficiaries know where it is.

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Inhaled Antiasthmatic Therapies And Covid

Doctors on what those with underlying respiratory conditions should do amid COVID-19 outbreak

In conclusion, clinicians should be aware that there is no evidence to support the withdrawal of ICSs in patients treated with these drugs, and to do so is likely to be harmful. Patients with asthma who are stable while using ICSs should continue their treatment. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, physicians should be more careful about initiating ICSs or ICS/long-acting -agonist in patients without clear objective evidence of asthma. Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest a change in the recommendation for asthma patients to increase the dose of ICSs at the onset of an exacerbation. Based on the above, the indications contained in the GINA document about asthma and COVID-19 are certainly acceptable : a) advise patients to continue taking their prescribed asthma medications, particularly ICSs b) make sure that all patients have a written asthma action plan c) advising them to: increase controller and reliever medication when asthma worsens d) avoid nebulizers where possible, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus e) pressurized MDI via a spacer is preferred except for life-threatening exacerbations, and f) add a mouthpiece or mask to the spacer if required.

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Protective Shielding Limiting Virus Exposure

Behavioral factors are likely to be important. Protective shielding for at-risk groups, including those with asthma, has been widely advocated by international guidelines. Reduced exposure to SARS-CoV-2 amongst patients with asthma may therefore be contributing to the low prevalence of asthma reported in hospitalized cohorts . Government policies to limit the spread of the pandemic have also led to reductions in air pollution, which increases the severity of virus-induced asthma exacerbations . Nationwide preventive measures for COVID-19 in Japan were associated with a sharp drop in hospitalizations for asthma as a secondary effect .

Are People With Asthma At Risk Of Severe Illness From Covid

Many studies show that having asthma does not put you at a greater risk of getting COVID-19 or having severe COVID-19.1,2,3 A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that people with well-controlled asthma have less severe COVID-19 outcomes than people with uncontrolled asthma.4

The CDC continues to list moderate-to-severe asthma as a chronic lung disease that can make you more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19.

No matter what, it is important to keep your asthma well-controlled. If your asthma is not under control, you are at a greater risk in general of having an asthma episode or attack, going to the emergency room, staying in the hospital, or even death. If you feel like your asthma is not well-controlled, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

Even though people with asthma are not at the highest risk for COVID-19, it is still important to keep your asthma under control. Common medicines you may take for asthma and allergies do not increase your risk of getting COVID-19. They will help you keep your asthma under control. You are at greater risk for having an asthma attack if you stop taking your medicines. Take your medicines at the first sign of symptoms as listed on your asthma action plan. Continue to take these medicines as prescribed:

  • Quick-relief medicine
  • Inhaled corticosteroids
  • Allergy shots

If you have any questions about asthma medicines and COVID-19, talk with your doctor.

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How Can Losing Weight Help Me Reduce Covid

Reducing overweight and obesity can dramatically reduce your risk for chronic health diseases in general such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure

This is important because the chances for the body to develop complications leading to hospitalizations and the Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, is higher in people with chronic diseases.

Losing weight will raise your HDL cholesterol and lower:

  • Blood pressure
  • LDL cholesterol

Term Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions

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Term life insurance offers coverage for a set period of time typically between five and 35 years during which your beneficiary will receive a payout if you pass. If you qualify for term life insurance coverage, a preexisting condition will raise your quotes significantly. However, term life insurance lets you choose a much higher death benefit than products with limited underwriting.

Term life insurance quotes are determined in large part by your health, and insurers have four standard tiers of health ratings. Premiums vary a small amount within a given health tier, but if you have a significant enough medical condition to change tiers, the quotes you are offered will be much higher.

Health tiers for term life Description
Perfect health besides one minor issue, such as slightly elevated blood pressure.
Regular Plus You have a preexisting condition that is low-risk or has a small impact on your general health .
Regular Average health. Requirements vary by insurer, but insurers often accept preexisting conditions that are moderate-risk, such as diabetes.

Each insurer has its own health requirements and set of conditions it is willing to insure. So if you have a preexisting condition, youâll probably want to consult with an independent insurance agent. Agents represent multiple companies and have the expertise to determine which insurer will get you the most affordable rates.

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