Asthma and Other Common Respiratory Diseases During COVID-19

Respiratory diseases account for nearly a quarter of all pediatric consultations. And in addition to the usual suspects on our differentials, we now have the consideration of COVID-19.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss respiratory diseases including COVID-19

In this episode Benjamin Hughes, MD, joins us to talk about asthma, RSV and other common breathing issues during respiratory season, including diagnostic considerations, treatment options and the context of COVID-19.

Dr. Hughes is a pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• Seasonal trends for viral bronchiolitis in typical years and during COVID-19
• Prevalence of RSV and how it affects patients
• Relationship between viral pathogens and subsequent childhood asthma
• Standard of care for viral bronchiolitis and pneumonitis management
• How COVID-19 has affected asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations
• Recommendations for optimizing preventive care for asthma patients during COVID-19
• Tips for assessing asthma during video visits
• Risks and recommendations for steroid use in patients with asthma during COVID-19
• How COVID-19 precautions may affect the course of other viral illnesses in future seasons
• Common pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 in children

Treatment of respiratory disorders at Children’s Colorado

The Breathing Institute at Children’s Colorado treats children with common and complex breathing problems, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, airway anomalies and tracheostomy care, pulmonary hypertension, lung disease of premature infants, sleep disorders, neuromuscular disorders, primary ciliary dyskinesia and children's interstitial lung disease. With more than 150 breathing experts, we are the largest program in the region and are nationally recognized for our work caring for patients with pediatric breathing conditions.