Impact of the COVID-19 infection on children with allergic diseases in China.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted investigations into the association between this novel virus and allergic diseases, particularly asthma in children. However, the nature of this relationship remains poorly established. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics of children with allergic diseases who have contracted COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January to March 2023. A total of 568 children aged 0-17 years diagnosed with asthma and COVID-19 infection were included. A comparative analysis of clinical characteristics was conducted between asthma and non-asthma groups. RESULTS: Asthmatic children with COVID-19 infection showed significantly higher frequencies of cough, wheezing, expectoration, and long-term symptoms compared to those without asthma (P < 0.05). Subgroups with poor therapy compliance exhibited elevated proportions of cough, chest tightness, and wheezing compared to good therapy compliance (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified poor therapy compliance as a risk factor for long COVID in asthmatic children. CONCLUSION: Children with asthma secondary to COVID-19 infection were more prone to developing coughs, expectoration, and wheezing. Poor therapy compliance emerged as a significant risk factor for long COVID-19 in these individuals. IMPACT Asthmatic children with COVID-19 infection showed significantly higher frequencies of cough, wheezing, expectoration. Poor therapy compliance was the risk factor for long COVID in asthmatic children. This article supplements the effects of different therapeutic drugs on the condition of children with asthma after infection with COVID-19 as well as the possible risk factors for the long COVID. The results of our study have important implications for public health policy makers and healthcare professionals. To understand the impact of COVID-19 on children with asthma will help guide appropriate management strategies and ensure access to necessary healthcare resources.