Recent findings link allergic diseases, specifically asthma and allergic rhinitis, with a higher risk of lingering COVID symptoms. The study, published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy, highlights that individuals with these allergic conditions may experience a greater chance of developing long COVID after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Long COVID refers to the ongoing presence or return of symptoms more than 12 weeks after initial infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients frequently report breathing difficulties and persistent fatigue, and some experience cardiovascular, nervous system, or digestive disturbances. In many cases, these symptoms can endure for more than a year, impacting daily activities and overall health.
In the latest analysis, researchers from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg reviewed 13 studies totaling around 10,000 participants. The evidence suggests that people with asthma and allergic rhinitis may face nearly twice the risk of developing long-term COVID symptoms. While the trend is notable, the researchers caution that the certainty of the evidence is still limited, and further studies are required to confirm these observations. If future confirmation holds, this would imply a need for closer medical follow-up for allergy patients who contract the virus.
Beyond clinical observations, the research points to immune-related blood parameters that could help predict long COVID risk. The scientists propose that allergy-associated immune cells, particularly type 2 helper T cells, might offer some protection against initial SARS-CoV-2 infection while potentially elevating the risk of prolonged symptoms in some cases. Additionally, the release of inflammatory cytokines in response to the virus may aggravate existing allergic conditions, contributing to a longer recovery trajectory for certain individuals.
These insights add to the growing body of knowledge about how preexisting allergic conditions interact with COVID-19 outcomes. While the connection between allergies and long COVID is not yet definitive, the findings underscore the importance of personalized monitoring and early intervention for patients with allergic diseases who contract COVID-19. Ongoing research will clarify the role of immune indicators and help clinicians tailor care to reduce the duration and impact of long COVID for these patients.