Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown on symptom control in preschool children with recurrent wheezing

• Published in: Pediatric Pulmonology 2021-07, Vol.56 (7), p.1946-1950
• Main Authors: Ullmann, Nicola, Allegorico, Annalisa, Bush, Andrew, Porcaro, Federica, Negro, Valentina, Onofri, Alessandro, Cherchi, Claudio, De Santis, Simone, Rosito, Lorenza, Cutrera, Renato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asthma; COVID-19; Original; pediatric asthma; pediatric lung disaese
• ISSN: 8755-6863; 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25400

Introduction Preschool wheezers are at high risk of recurrent attacks triggered by respiratory viruses, sometimes exacerbated by exposure to allergens and pollution. Because of the COVID‐19 infection, the lockdown was introduced, but the effects on preschool wheezers are unknown. We hypothesized that there would be an improvement in outcomes during the lockdown, and these would be lost when the lockdown was eased. Materials and Methods Patients underwent medical visits before and after the COVID‐19 lockdown. We recorded the childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT) and a clinical questionnaire. Data on symptoms, the need for medications and the use of healthcare resources were recorded. We compared these data with retrospective reports from the preceding year and prospectively acquired questionnaires after lockdown. Results We studied 85 preschool wheezers, mean age 4.9 years. During the lockdown, cACT score was significantly higher (median 25 vs. 23); families reported a dramatic drop in wheezing episodes (51 vs. none), significant reductions in the day and nighttime symptoms, including episodes of shortness of breath (p