Study finds increased risk of asthma attacks following relaxation of COVID restrictions

As many as 5 million people are effected with Asthma in the UK with some 300 million affected globally. Most are use to having to deal with the usual increased worry of winter when it comes to their asthma.

Every Asthma sufferer knows that colds, flu and in particular COVID-9 brings with it not only the increased worry of asthmas attacks and worsened respiratory symptoms but a huge amount of anxiety.

A study has been performed by Queen Mary University in London funded by the Darts Charity which has found that there is a increased risk of server Asthma attacks after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

When restrictions were lifted the combination of fewer people wearing masks and more social mixing increased the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infection which appears to have lead to a increase in severe Asthma attacks.

Asthma is not just a condition effecting the young and elderly but one that lives with many people throughout their lives. Most people suffer with the following symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• A tight chest
• Coughing

Usually for a diagnosis of Asthma these symptoms occur often and recur regularly and are worse in the night and morning. Often Asthma is triggers by an allergen or agent that you have become sensitive to over time.

Whilst there are many health related causes of Asthma a large cause of Asthma is due to occupational causes. The most common being:

• Isocyanates (chemicals in items like spray paints)
• Flour and grain dust
• Colophony (a substance in solder fumes)
• Lates
• Animals
• Wood dust

Asthmas as a result of a occupational cause often occur at the time of exposure and cause the same symptoms as other type of asthma with the same treatment.

The one difference with occupational Asthma is that usually, but not always, when you are removed from the exposure which brought on the asthma it tends to subside and resolve over time.

If you have been exposure to a chemical, dust or other substance which has caused you respiratory symptoms whilst at work you may well be entitled to claim compensation for the symptoms you are suffering from.

Sources:

Study finds increased risk of severe asthma attacks after relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions – (news-medical.net)

Asthma: Symptoms – nhs.uk

Further reading

Respiratory Disease claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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