Abstract
Introduction: A number of measures were began due to coronavirus 2019
disease (Covid-19) pandemic in many countries worldwide. A lockdown was
applied for aged <18 years, education was continued online,
and wearing a mask became mandatory in public places, which created an
unprecedented period for children. Real-life data is limited showing how
children with asthma are affected due to major changes. This study
reveal how asthmatic children are affected by pandemic conditions based
on real-life data. Methods: Patients with asthma aged 6–18 years who
were followed up in March, April, and May 2019—before the Covid-19
pandemic—were included in the study. Data from March-April-May 2020
and 2019 were compared to reveal the effects of the pandemic-related
lifestyle changes on symptoms, frequency of exacerbations, and drug use
in asthmatic children. Results: A total of 86 children with asthma aged
6–18 years were included in this study. Time spent inside the home was
significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019. Need for rescue medications
and emergency department visits were significantly lower in 2020
compared to 2019 (p<0.001). The number of well controlled
patients with asthma was higher in 2020 than in 2019 (p <
0.0001). Number of patients using prophylactic drugs within the last 3
months was lower in 2020 compared to 2019 (p = 0.007). Conclusion: The
present study provides valuable insights into the condition of children
over the age of 6 years during the Covid-19 pandemic based on real-life
data. During the pandemic period, the number of asthmatic exacerbations,
rescue drug use and asthma control were positively affected in school
aged children with asthma.