Can COVID-19 Trigger Asthma? Latest Insights and Research in 2025

Many individuals without prior asthma history have reported experiencing asthma-like symptoms months after recovering from COVID-19. This phenomenon may be linked to the lasting impact of the virus on the respiratory system.

The long-term consequences of COVID-19 remain an area of active investigation. Numerous patients report persistent symptoms lasting months or even years post-infection, commonly referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), post-COVID conditions, or simply “long COVID.”

COVID-19’s influence on the body can sometimes trigger new, enduring health issues, including autoimmune responses. Respiratory symptoms are particularly prominent, often mimicking asthma, such as:

• persistent coughing
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

This raises the question: can COVID-19 cause the development of asthma or asthma-like conditions after recovery? This article delves into current studies exploring the relationship between COVID-19 and asthma.

Is It Possible to Develop Asthma After COVID-19 Infection?

Emerging evidence indicates that some people may develop asthma symptoms after overcoming COVID-19. For instance, a 2021 case study involving 46 individuals without prior allergies or asthma found that many exhibited asthma-like symptoms within 1 to 6 months post-recovery.

Similarly, a 2022 study focusing on children hospitalized with COVID-19 revealed that approximately 41.5% developed asthma-like symptoms, especially those with a family history of asthma.

These findings suggest that COVID-19 may cause inflammation in the lung airways, a hallmark of asthma, leading to airway tightening and breathing difficulties.

Further research from 2022 indicates that lung inflammation caused by COVID-19 can persist for 3 to 6 months following recovery, though symptoms often improve within a year.

How Common Is Wheezing After COVID-19?

While wheezing is a classic asthma symptom, it is not commonly reported during acute COVID-19 infections, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

However, some long COVID patients do report wheezing. A 2020 telemedicine study found that 11.5% of patients experienced wheezing 6 weeks after infection, whereas a larger 2022 study noted new wheezing symptoms in only 0.4% of children 90 days post-emergency visit for COVID-19.

Does COVID-19 Worsen Existing Asthma?

Research indicates that having asthma does not necessarily increase the risk of severe COVID-19. However, individuals with asthma might face a higher chance of developing long COVID and experiencing aggravated asthma symptoms.

A 2022 study showed that asthma patients were more susceptible to symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath
• cough
• bronchospasm
• wheezing
• irregular breathing patterns
• changes in mucus production

Another study from the same year revealed that even mild or moderate COVID-19 could lead to worsened asthma symptoms, sometimes necessitating adjustments in asthma treatment.

Can COVID-19 Vaccines Trigger Asthma?

There have been rare cases of asthma development or asthma attacks following COVID-19 vaccination.

Safety reviews of the Moderna vaccine found only 1 case of asthma among 2,013 children under 5 years old post-vaccination.

Additionally, case reports from 2021 and 2022 have documented asthma attacks after Pfizer vaccine doses, with repeated vaccinations potentially increasing risk.

Despite these rare events, COVID-19 vaccines remain overwhelmingly safe, and their benefits in preventing severe illness and long COVID far outweigh the minimal risks. Health authorities recommend staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Common Asthma Risk Factors

The American Lung Association identifies several asthma risk factors, including:

• family history of asthma
• allergic conditions
• childhood viral infections
• exposure to environmental pollutants
• smoking
• obesity

Summary

Post-COVID respiratory complications can include persistent asthma-like symptoms, likely due to prolonged inflammation in the lungs. Those with pre-existing asthma may experience exacerbated symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

Currently, there is no definitive method to predict or prevent asthma development post-COVID. However, minimizing known risk factors such as smoking and pollution exposure can help. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is also a key strategy in reducing infection risk and potential long-term respiratory issues.

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