Pulmonary Procedures During the COVD-19 Pandemic: A Workgroup Report of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment (ADT) Interest Section

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 workgroup to offer guidance. The workgroup 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 workgroup 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.