COVID-19 Pandemic–Related Reductions in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations Corresponded with an Overall Decrease in Respiratory Viral Infections

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.10.067
• Publication Date: 2021-11-14T05:27:02Z
• Authors: Samir Sayed; Avantika R. Diwadkar; Jesse W. Dudley; Janielle O’Brien; Donald Dvorin; Chén C. Kenyon; Blanca E. Himes; David A. Hill; Sarah E. Henrickson
• Keywords: Asthma Exacerbations; Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Respiratory viruses, air pollutants, and aeroallergens are all implicated in worsening pediatric asthma symptoms, but their relative contributions to exacerbations poorly understood. A significant decrease has been observed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, providing a unique opportunity study how major triggers correlate with activity.To determine whether changes respiratory and/or pandemic were concomitant decreased exacerbations.Health care utilization viral testing data between January 1, 2015, December 31, 2020, extracted from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network's electronic health record. Air pollution allergen US Environmental Protection Agency public databases National Allergy Bureau-certified station, respectively. Pandemic (2020) compared historical data.Recovery in-person encounters phased reopening (June 6 November 15, 2020) was uneven: primary well specialty reached 94% 74% prepandemic levels, respectively, whereas sick hospital 21% 40% During influenza B negligible frequency when cases, syncytial virus rhinovirus infections low (though nonnegligible) as well. No or aeroallergen levels observations noted.Our results suggest that driver exacerbations. These findings have broad relevance both clinical practice development policies aimed at reducing morbidity.