Can asthma increase your chances of getting COVID-19? Pulmonologist explains

People with moderate to severe asthma may be at higher risk of getting  coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Meron ka nang inherent na respiratory disease" a pulmonologist Dr. Maricar Limpin explained during a segment on GMA's "Unang Hirit."

"So, theoretically talagang mas mataas na ang risk mo magkaroon ka ng COVID-19," she added.

The expert also warned that symptoms caused by asthma, like difficulty in breathing, can be difficult to distinguish to those caused by COVID-19.

"Medyo mahirap i-differentiate yung upper respiratory symptoms na mararamdaman ng mga pasyenteng may hika at saka nung merong (COVID-19)," explained Dr. Limpin.

"Parehas din kasing magpe-present ng ubo-ubo, may konting plema, may parang pangangati ng lalamunan so mahirap talagang…hindi necessary din na 'yung hirap ng paghinga kasi 'yung hirap ng paghinga sa COVID-19 at maski din sa hika, nangyayari 'yan kapag hindi mo masyado nag-progress na yung problema," she added.

And with COVID-19 being a communicable disease, the pulmonologist stressed that even those without asthma should do their best to prevent exposure.

This means wearing masks, social distancing and isolation whenever necessary.

"Tandaan pa rin natin na (COVID-19) is a communicable disease. 'Yung nakakahawang sakit," Dr. Limpin said.

"Therefore, ang pinaka-predisposing risk talaga diyan will be 'yung exposure mo doon sa mga taong may COVID or 'yung mga taong may sintomas na tapos lumalapit ka parin," she added.

"Kailangan ho talaga nating i-keep 'yung social distancing and, right now dahil medyo madami dami na, may nakita na ho tayo na may community transmission talaga." — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News