Innovative Therapies for Severe Asthma Cases

Asthma is a chronic condition that involves the swelling and narrowing of the airways, resulting in extra mucus production. This makes it difficult for individuals to breathe, triggering coughing, shortness of breath, and more.

When properly controlled, asthma is no more than a minor inconvenience, but for some, it can be a severe concern with the threat of a life-threatening asthma attack and the ability to infringe on day-to-day activities.

At the Allergy & Asthma Center, there are various cutting-edge options available for treating severe asthma. Biologic therapies are among the state-of-the-art asthma treatments. These injectable medications directly target the molecules responsible for the inflammatory process of asthma and are particularly useful for asthma that has not responded to first-line treatments.

Biologic therapies are not suitable for all types of asthma and are incorporated into treatment plans as needed. In addition to biologic therapies, other medications and treatment options are used both to control asthma and as rescue medications to reduce symptoms during an asthma attack.

These include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, oral and injectable steroids, bronchodilators, and more. The Allergy & Asthma Center offers a comprehensive approach, using the latest medications and treatments to manage severe asthma effectively.

The specific nature and severity of an individual’s asthma will dictate the effectiveness of immunotherapy as a treatment. Immunotherapy is an increasingly growing field that involves exposing patients to small amounts of the substances responsible for triggering their reactions, ultimately desensitizing them to its effects.

Patients are exposed to small amounts of the allergen responsible for their flare-ups, and over time, the immune system produces non-allergenic antibodies against this allergen. This prevents the immune response and provides relief from severe allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy can help manage asthma triggered by allergies, but it is not recommended for patients with severe asthma.

For asthma that is well-controlled, immunotherapy may be used to improve quality of life and reduce the quantity of asthma medication required. This treatment can provide long-term relief from severe allergic symptoms that interfere with daily life and help minimize the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.

Lifestyle changes can complement asthma therapies and are often recommended for their ability to help manage the condition. Providers at the Allergy & Asthma Center work with patients to devise comprehensive health and lifestyle plans that keep asthma under control, prevent flare-ups, and minimize their severity.

A healthy lifestyle can improve most aspects of health and wellness, and asthma management is no different. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can complement an individual’s asthma treatment, while avoiding tobacco smoke or smoking is important for many individuals with asthma, as it is often a trigger.

Individuals can also take steps to prevent asthma attacks by being aware of their triggers and creating environments to avoid them. Staying cognizant of potential triggers and making necessary adjustments in their living spaces can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Asthma inhaler technology is constantly evolving, and the Allergy & Asthma Center has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art inhaler technology that can be prescribed as needed. Inhalers fall into two main categories which are controller inhalers and rescue inhalers.

Controller inhalers are intended for regular use to manage asthma symptoms over the long term, while rescue inhalers are intended for emergency use to provide quick relief during an asthma attack.

One of the contemporary features of some inhalers includes smart inhalers that can notify either the care team or patients when a dosage is missed. This is particularly beneficial if doses are missed for multiple days in a row, as it can make it difficult for individuals to control their asthma and avoid more concerning symptoms. Other advancements include pressurized metered-dose inhalers, which ensure the efficient and consistent delivery of the required dosage.

Smart inhaler technology can also track dosages and allow patients to review their habits and commitment to usage, which is particularly beneficial for monitoring dosage in children who may have more difficulty remembering to take their medication on their own.

By facilitating adherence to the dosing schedule, these advancements help patients better control their asthma and improve health outcomes.

Innovative therapies for severe asthma cases are available at the Allergy & Asthma Center. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Atlanta GA, Conyers GA, Scottdale GA, Tucker GA, Rock Chapel Rd GA, Klondike Rd GA, Suwanee GA, Moon Place Rd GA and Dacula GA.