Preliminary Data Suggest that Having Seasonal Allergies and Allergic Asthma May Have a Protective Effect Against COVID 19

Posted on: 12 May, 2020

Preliminary data published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(20)30551-0/abstract) may provide a reason why patients with respiratory allergy and asthma may not experience the severe complications COVID 19 to a large degree compared to patients with other known risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. This research was brought on by reports from China that suggested that asthma and respiratory allergy were not significant risk factors for their patient population.

Researchers focused on a protein called ACE2 which is found on the surface of cells. The protein may serve as an entry point for coronavirus. They found a decreased presence of ACE2 in the airway of patients with allergic asthma.

As these data are preliminary, further studies need to be conducted to draw clear conclusions. In addition, there are likely additional factors playing a role other than ACE2.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions