Pulmonary Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment (ADT) Interest Section

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed increased demands on the ability to safely perform pulmonary procedures in keeping with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations. Accordingly, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment convened this work group to offer guidance. The work group is composed of specialist practitioners from academic and both large and small practices. Individuals with special expertise were assigned sections on spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, nebulized treatments, and methacholine challenge. The work group met periodically to achieve consensus. This resulting document has recommendations for the allergy/asthma/immunology health care setting based on available evidence including reference documents from the CDC, ATS, and OSHA.

Keywords: COVID-19; FeNO (exhaled nitric oxide); Methacholine challenge; Nebulized medication; Pulmonary function testing; Pulmonary procedures; SARS-CoV-2; Spirometry.