Changes in Respiratory Sensitivity Status of Patients in a Hospital in Shanxi Province Before and After the COVID-19 Epidemic.

Background: The lifting of the regional blockade in early December 2022 in Shanxi Province, China, caused an epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). And the high allergy season from July to September each year.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on the respiratory sensitivity status of the population, to provide a scientific and effective basis for the prevention, diagnosis, condition assessment, and treatment of allergic respiratory diseases.

Methods: We collected 500 outpatient cases from Shanxi Medical University Second Hospital during the period from July to September 2022 and 500 cases during the period from July to September 2023 and divided them into the pre-COVID-19 epidemic group (the 2022 group) and the post-COVID-19 epidemic group (the 2023 group). We conducted statistical analysis on these patients' general conditions, pulmonary function test results, laboratory parameters, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide.

Results: Compared with 2022, the number of smokers decreased in 2023 (p = 0.007), while the incidence of respiratory allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis increased (p < 0.05). In 2023, the results of pulmonary function tests showed that the positive rate of bronchial provocation/dilatation tests increased (p < 0.001), and the decline in FEV1 during provocation tests became more significant (p < 0.001). At the same time, laboratory results indicated that the count of eosinophils and the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in peripheral blood rose (p < 0.001), suggesting that the respiratory sensitivity of the population after COVID-19 infection might have increased.

Conclusion: Research results from Shanxi Province, China, indicate that the COVID-19 epidemic leads to increased respiratory sensitization and the incidence of respiratory allergic diseases. This suggests that we should pay attention to the changes in immune status and respiratory sensitivity among the population after COVID-19 infection, to accurately and timely assess and intervene in patients' conditions.