Gmail search results get lost when toggling between apps

When I search a keyword and have results in gmail (app), then swipe to another program like safari THEN swipe back to gmail, the previous search results are gone (not deleted) and the gmail app seems to be reloaded/refreshed. I’ve turned background app refresh off and on with no success in resolving it. Seems to be an issue that has gone on for about a year. Thought it was an old ipad so I bought the 5 thinking it was a hardware issue but it’s not. Any help on this issue? Using IPad Air 5 and Air2