Forgotten Pulmonologists: COVID-19 Detection in Patients with Lung Disease

Possibility to Send Suspected Individuals Directly to Tests

The first patient with a severe course of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic was examined at an acute pulmonary clinic and hospitalized in a pulmonary department. According to the chairwoman of ČPFS, Professor MUDr. Martina Vašáková, Ph.D., patients with respiratory issues most frequently visit pulmonary clinics. Pulmonologists, who are on the front lines dealing with at-risk patients, cannot test these patients for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 because they lack authority, tests, and protective equipment. They don't even have the right to send them directly for testing. An outpatient pulmonologist must send the suspected patient to a general practitioner for a referral or recommend that they call the hygiene station. “This places unnecessary obstacles in a situation where it is crucial for the patient to be tested and possibly treated quickly. From an epidemiological perspective, the higher the testing rate, the lower the mortality rate,” adds Professor Vašáková. 

Recommendations for Patients with Chronic Lung Disease 

People with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or pulmonary fibrosis, are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and are prone to more severe courses of the disease. These patients should wear FFP3 respirators, which are currently unavailable. Therefore, ČPFS recommends well-maintained cloth masks, thorough hand hygiene, and maintaining at least a 2-meter distance from others. Patients with chronic lung diseases should avoid places with many people, including shopping centers.

Pulmonologists should strive to refill medications that these patients use long-term through e-prescriptions. A relative or acquaintance should go to the pharmacy or the store. For patients without smartphones and email, the prescription can be left at reception for a relative to pick up. The professional society, together with medicine suppliers, is also seeking solutions to deliver medicines from specialized pulmonary centers to a pharmacy as close to the patient's residence as possible.

Patients with chronic lung disease should go for a short walk every day and exercise at home for at least 10 minutes. Regular ventilation is also important, as it reduces the amount of virus exposure. Naturally, patients should avoid smoking, consume enough fruits and vegetables, and supplement with vitamins C and D₃.

For more up-to-date information from the Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society of ČLS JEP regarding the current situation, visit the ČPFS website: www.pneumologie.cz/novinky

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Source: Pulmonologists Request the Right to Send Patients for Coronavirus Testing. Press Release. ČPFS, March 25, 2020.