CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – AN ASTHMA INHALER COULD BE A CORONAVIRUS CURE

QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IS WORKING WITH OXFORD UNIVERSITY

 

It seems everyone is searching for a cure for COVID-19 disease. The latest coronavirus update is that a bunch of Australian researchers are considering the possibility that inhalers used for asthma could also be used to treat COVID-19.

 

A trial by Oxford University and the Queensland University of Technology is ongoing in which it is being seen whether inhalers could help in the early stages of infection and lower the probability of it being a full-blown respiratory illness. If the infection is stopped at the early stages, it might also reduce hospital admissions and emergency department presentations.

 

The traces of this coronavirus update can be tracked to the observations made by an Associate professor from the Queensland University of Technology. Dan Nicolau, the associate professor, had noticed that just a small number of asthmatic people and people who had a chronic lung disease, COPD were among the seriously ill patients during the early stages of the pandemic. Nicolau thought it was odd as ling problems should have meant that those people were at a higher risk of infection.

 

Talking about this new coronavirus update and his logic for the research, Nicolau said, “One explanation for the low numbers was that something these people were doing regularly was protecting them and that, logically, was that they routinely used inhalers for their chronic lung problems. Ideally, it may be that the corticosteroid therapy would be given to anyone with a new, dry cough, and while they are awaiting their COVID test results.”

 

Modelling conducted by the research team has indicated that the earlier people are given an inhaler, the lower is their probability of being sick. The pace of this coronavirus update and research is fast. About 500 people are required for it, and recruitment has already begun at the Churchill Hospital in the city of Oxford, England.

 

Some patients will be given a placebo, and some will be given less expensive, widely-prescribed inhaler medication that is used by people who have asthma to prevent and control their symptoms. The results will be out in September only. So, people should avoid panic buying.

 

This research news as a coronavirus update is good news for Aussies, who have to read about new coronavirus restrictions every once in a while. The latest coronavirus update before this one was not very good. It was the recent closure of the NSW-Victoria border.

 

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional regarding any inquiries you may have about medical concerns.

 

 

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