Asthma Prevention & Control
Asthma Symptoms / Treatment Options
Whether you suffer from mild or severe asthma, there are effective treatment options to best control your asthma and get your life back! Our asthma specialist, Lindsey, has many years of experience in asthma and allergies. She will take the time to learn about your specific condition and needs, and can formulate the best treatment plans to ensure success!
Not sure if you have asthma? If you experience difficulty breathing, coughing and/or wheezing, or a tight feeling in your chest, you may suffer from asthma.
Sometimes a chronic cough is the only symptom, and many of these cases go undiagnosed. The symptoms of asthma are most frequently noted at night and in the morning, but an asthma episode can happen at any time. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks which require immediate emergency treatment.
Some signs & symptoms of asthma may include:
- Recurrent wheezing
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness
- Particular symptoms occur or worsen at night
- Particular symptoms that are triggered by cold air, exercise or exposure to allergens
Biologics for Severe Asthma
Biologics
For many patients with asthma their asthma is controlled by identifying and avoiding triggers, taking a daily inhaled or oral controller medication, and using a quick-relief inhaler when symptoms develop. For some patients though, these medications are not enough to control their asthma.
What is a biologic?
A biologic is a medication made from the cells of a living organism, such as bacteria or mice, that is then modified to target specific molecules in humans. For asthma, the targets are antibodies, inflammatory molecules, or cell receptors
When would you need a biologic?
A biologic is used for patients who continue to have symptoms despite use of standard daily controller medications. Symptoms of poorly controlled asthma include frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath; waking up at night with difficulty breathing; requiring a fast-acting reliever medication, such as albuterol, several times a day or week; and recurrent hospital admissions, emergency room visits, or need for oral steroids for exacerbations.
What are the benefits of a biologic?
The primary benefit of biologics has been a decrease in the frequency of asthma exacerbations, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and need for oral steroids.
How are biologics administered?
Unlike other medications for asthma, most biologics are currently administered in a doctor’s office either as a subcutaneous injection or as an intravenous infusion. With some biologics, your doctor may want to observe you in the office between 30 minutes and two hours after administration.
Other medications/injections commonly used for severe asthma may include the use of Xolair, Dupixent, Nucala, Fasenra and others.
