The
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily affects the respiratory system,
commonly manifesting as pneumonia. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is
challenging to distinguish from community-acquired pneumonia due to other etiologies
and respiratory exacerbations of pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases. Fortunately,
the majority of patients have an asymptomatic or mild illness. However, some
patients may develop profound hypoxemia secondary to diffuse alveolar damage and
occlusion of alveolar capillaries by microthrombi. When patients with compromised
lung function due to pre-existing respiratory diseases develop this disease,
they face a setback. The management of the pre-existing illness is often suboptimal
due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Further, these patients are more likely
to develop severe manifestations of COVID-19 resulting in more severe morbidity
and mortality. Diagnosis is established by performing a reverse transcription-polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) on samples from the respiratory tract. Treatment of the
mild disease is primarily supportive, while supplemental oxygen and mechanical
ventilation may be indicated for more severe cases. Several treatment options,
including antiviral agents, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and convalescent
plasma therapy, are being investigated. Currently, there is no evidence to indicate
that the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 are different in those with
preexisting respiratory conditions. In the absence of an effective antiviral
agent or vaccine, disease prevention is assumed to be of paramount importance.
Social distancing and proper use of personal protective equipment are critical
in the prevention of transmission.
Keywords: ARDS, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, COPD, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Cystic fibrosis, Dexamethasone, Hydroxychloroquine, ILD, Lung cancer, Lung transplantation, OSA, Pandemic, Plasma therapy, Pneumonia, Pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary thromboembolism, Remdesivir, SRBD, Tuberculosis.
