Covid bronchitis
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "covid bronchitis"
Impact of COVID-19 on Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis
COVID-19 and Bronchiolitis in Infants
Reduction in Hospitalizations for Bronchiolitis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant reduction in hospitalizations for acute bronchiolitis among infants. A study conducted in France observed a 54.3% decrease in hospitalizations during the 2020-2021 winter season compared to previous years. This reduction was attributed to public health measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing, which also delayed the peak of bronchiolitis cases from November-December to February2. Similarly, in Belgium, there was a 92.5% reduction in bronchiolitis hospitalizations and a >99% reduction in registered RSV cases during the 2020 winter season6.
Delayed and Altered Bronchiolitis Patterns
The pandemic also altered the seasonal patterns of bronchiolitis. In some regions, the typical winter peak was nearly absent, raising concerns about a potential rebound in cases once public health measures were relaxed. For instance, a study in Antwerp noted the absence of the usual winter peak and speculated a delayed peak in spring or summer6. Another study reported an early and short-term peak in bronchiolitis cases during the post-COVID period, with a higher rate of hospitalizations compared to pre-COVID seasons9.
Coinfections and Viral Etiology
The pandemic provided insights into the viral etiology of bronchiolitis. During the COVID-19 period, there was a higher proportion of non-RSV viruses such as metapneumovirus, parainfluenzae 3, bocavirus, and coronaviruses NL63 and OC43, while influenza was notably absent2. Cases of bronchiolitis caused solely by SARS-CoV-2 were rare, with most infants also testing positive for RSV, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 alone does not typically cause bronchiolitis5 9.
COVID-19 and Chronic Bronchitis
Increased Risk for Chronic Bronchitis Patients
Individuals with chronic bronchitis are at a higher risk of severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19. The interaction between chronic bronchitis and COVID-19 exacerbates respiratory symptoms and increases the likelihood of severe disease. A systematic review highlighted that chronic bronchitis patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 due to their compromised respiratory systems10.
Impact on Bronchiectasis Exacerbations
The pandemic also influenced the frequency of exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis, a condition often associated with chronic bronchitis. Social distancing and reduced circulation of respiratory viruses led to a significant decrease in bronchiectasis exacerbations. A study in the UK found that the number of exacerbations per patient per year dropped from 2.08 in 2018/2019 to 1.12 in 2020/2021, with fewer hospitalizations for severe exacerbations3.
Clinical Features and Management
Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia often exhibit clinical features such as cough, expectoration, chest pain, and dyspnea. CT imaging of these patients frequently shows consolidation, bronchial wall thickening, and other markers of severe disease. These findings help clinicians assess the severity and manage the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia effectively4.
Immune Response in Severe COVID-19
Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed that severe COVID-19 cases are characterized by heightened interactions between airway epithelial cells and immune cells. This immune hyperactivation contributes to the severe inflammatory response and lung injury observed in critical COVID-19 patients. Targeting specific immune pathways may help mitigate these severe responses8.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the incidence and management of bronchitis and bronchiolitis. Public health measures have led to a reduction in bronchiolitis hospitalizations and altered seasonal patterns. Chronic bronchitis patients face increased risks from COVID-19, and the pandemic has provided valuable insights into the management of respiratory conditions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving respiratory health outcomes in the context of ongoing and future pandemics.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Bronchiolitis Admissions to Intensive Care During COVID
During COVID-19, acute bronchiolitis admissions to PICU increased in children under 12 months, with a higher rate of admission during the second wave of the pandemic and a higher rate of admission during the first wave.
Retrospective observational study of the influence of the COVID-19 outbreak on infants’ hospitalisation for acute bronchiolitis
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 54.3% reduction in infant hospitalizations for acute bronchiolitis, suggesting a need for improved respiratory hygiene and mask use during respiratory tract infections.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalThe Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exacerbations and Symptoms in Bronchiectasis: A Prospective Study
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced exacerbations in bronchiectasis patients, but did not affect chronic symptoms experienced during stable state.
Observational StudyThe Clinical and Chest CT Features Associated With Severe and Critical COVID-19 Pneumonia
Severe/critical COVID-19 pneumonia patients have higher incidences of clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and chest CT manifestations, which can help clinicians judge patient severity and evaluate prognosis.
Observational Study
Highly CitedDelayed acute bronchiolitis in infants hospitalized for COVID‐19
COVID-19 in infants less than 3 months old can cause delayed acute bronchiolitis, with fever and neurological symptoms initially followed by acute bronchiolitis.
Case ReportRigorous JournalBronchiolitis in COVID-19 times: a nearly absent disease?
The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is currently nonexistent, but a 'delayed' spring or summer peak could occur when non-pharmaceutical interventions relax and pre-pandemic life resumes.
Rigorous Journal1365. Self-Reported Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Pulmonary Infections: Healthcare Avoidance and Other Impacts Across Delta and Omicron Waves
COVID-19 pandemic impacted patients with chronic lung diseases, causing high concern and healthcare avoidance, with levels varying by political party.
COVID-19 severity correlates with airway epithelium–immune cell interactions identified by single-cell analysis
Critical COVID-19 patients exhibit stronger airway epithelium-immune cell interactions, which may contribute to heightened inflammation and tissue damage.
In Vitro StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedThe acute bronchiolitis rebound in children after COVID-19 restrictions: a retrospective, observational analysis
The post-COVID period saw an early peak in acute bronchiolitis in children, with an increased hospitalization rate, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was rarely a cause in children under 2 years old.
Observational StudyPeople with Chronic Bronchitis are at More Risk of Getting COVID-19
Chronic bronchitis is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19, making it a significant public health issue.
Systematic Review