Impact of pollen season and viral disease COVID-19 on respiratory function of the adult population in Eastern Slovakia: analysis of spirometric data and results of a questionnaire survey

Abstract

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous disease with characteristic symptoms, but with proper treatment the patient can lead a full life. In patients with allergic asthma, symptoms appear after irritation with an allergen, most often in the pollen season. In 2019, the viral disease COVID-19 appeared, which, especially in people with asthma, led not only to an asthma attack, but also to other serious diseases.

Methods

The main aim was to investigate differences in patients’ health status by comparing spirometric values in and out of pollen season (A), spirometric values before and after COVID-19 viral illness (B) and an anonymous questionnaire (C). Spirometric values were recorded in each patient (control group - patients diagnosed with asthma, research group - patients after overcoming COVID-19 disease) in 3 cycles, namely (in the pollen period, in the non-pollen period and after overcoming COVID-19 disease - at an interval of 2 months after a negative PCR test).

Results

We observed significant results during the individual spirometry performed (A) during the pollen season and non-pollen season. We observed the same in patients after they received COVID-19 treatment (B). Patients were also asked questions regarding family history, symptoms and their variability, worsening of the condition or correct inhalation technique (C).

Conclusion

Our research shows that the PEF parameter is most affected by the pollen and non-pollen season in asthmatic patients. Significant differences in PEF parameter were observed between genders, where we observed highly significant statistical significance of PEF parameter in pollen and non-pollen season in females.

Keywords:

• Asthma
• spirometry
• pollen season
• COVID-19

Acknowledgment

The authors thank everyone who participated in our research and questionnaire survey in any way and The Grant Agency of the University of Prešov in Prešov [GaPU 12/2023].

Ethical approval

This research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Prešov under the number ECUP072023PO.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.