How COVID-19 Changed Adult Asthma Care
Friday, March 6th, 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare in ways we’re still understanding today. A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global examined how it affected adults with asthma, drawing from electronic health records of over 42,000 patients at a large Philadelphia health system from 2017 to 2024. Led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, the findings highlight dramatic shifts in how asthma was managed during the crisis—and some changes that stuck around. As allergy and asthma specialists serving the Knoxville area, we’re sharing these insights to help our patients understand the evolution of care and how we can support you in a post-pandemic world.
Key Findings from the Study
The research compared asthma-related healthcare use before (2017-2019), during (2020), and after (2021-2024) the pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of the major trends:
- Surge in Refills and Virtual Care During Lockdown: In the early weeks of the pandemic (roughly March to mid-May 2020), patients stocked up on medications and switched to remote options. Refill requests jumped 123% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while telemedicine visits skyrocketed—an astounding 36,445% increase! Telephone encounters also doubled. This reflects quick adaptations to stay-at-home orders and fears of virus exposure.
- Decline in In-Person Visits: Outpatient visits dropped by 65% during those same lockdown weeks, and emergency department trips fell by about 32% later in 2020. This wasn’t just avoidance—reduced exposure to triggers like viruses and pollutants likely played a role in fewer severe episodes.
- Medication Patterns Shifted: Prescriptions for quick-relief inhalers (short-acting beta agonists, or SABA) rose 73%, and controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids, or ICS) increased 43% early on. Interestingly, oral corticosteroids (OCS, often used for exacerbations) decreased by up to 37% later in 2020 and stayed lower post-pandemic, suggesting better overall control.
- Who Was Affected?: The study looked at demographics. Women (69% of patients) and middle-aged adults (25-64 years) saw the sharpest increases in virtual care. White and Black patients (together 91% of the group) drove most of the surges, with White patients reacting earlier. Primary care handled the bulk of the spike, while specialty care like allergy/immunology and pulmonary remained stable.
- Post-Pandemic Legacy: By 2021-2024, telemedicine stayed popular (up thousands of percent from pre-pandemic), but outpatient visits remained 29-43% lower. Refills continued to rise, doubling in some periods, indicating lasting changes in how patients manage their asthma.
These patterns show the healthcare system’s flexibility: quick pivots to virtual care helped maintain control, but also highlight gaps, like potential delays in care for certain groups.
What This Means for Asthma Patients in East Tennessee
Knoxville’s allergy season—think tree pollen in spring and ragweed in fall—can already challenge asthma management. The pandemic taught us that disruptions don’t have to mean worse outcomes. Reduced triggers (fewer viruses, less pollution) led to fewer emergencies, but stockpiling and telemedicine were key to staying on top of symptoms.
Today, in 2026, we’re seeing similar trends locally. Many patients prefer virtual options for routine check-ins, especially during high-pollen days or flu season. But the study reminds us: don’t skip care. Delayed visits could mean missing adjustments to your plan, leading to preventable flares.
How Allergy Specialists of Knoxville Can Help
At our clinic, led by board-certified allergist Dr. Sangeetha Kodoth, we’ve embraced these lessons to provide flexible, effective care. Whether you’re dealing with asthma triggered by allergies, environmental factors, or post-COVID changes, we offer:
- Telemedicine and Phone Consults: Quick, convenient follow-ups for refills or symptom checks—perfect if you’re in Maryville or avoiding in-person during peak seasons.
- Comprehensive Testing and Treatments: Skin prick tests, blood panels, allergy shots (immunotherapy), and personalized plans for SABA, ICS, or other meds.
- Asthma Management Expertise: We help with everything from daily control to exacerbation prevention, including eczema, food allergies, and sinus issues tied to asthma.
Our goal is long-term relief, just like the study’s emphasis on adaptable systems. If you’ve noticed changes in your symptoms since the pandemic, or need a refill strategy that works for you, we’re here.
Tips for Managing Asthma Post-Pandemic
- Monitor pollen counts (high tree pollen right now in Knoxville!) and adjust meds early.
- Use apps or our portal for easy refills—avoid last-minute rushes.
- Combine virtual and in-person care: Telemedicine for routines, office visits for testing.
- Stay vaccinated against flu and COVID to reduce viral triggers.
Ready to breathe easier? Schedule an appointment at our Knoxville office (1346 Dowell Springs Blvd) by calling 865-588-2753 or visiting allergyspecialistsofknoxville.com. Let’s tailor a plan that fits your life.
