Severe asthma is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation and airway narrowing, which can cause symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some people may have more severe asthma, requiring a distinct management and treatment plan.

The severity of asthma can differ significantly between people. The frequency and severity of symptoms, the frequency with which drugs are required, and the degree to which the ailment responds to therapy all contribute to its severity. An extensive asthma severity chart, with levels ranging from moderate to severe, is available from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).

Severe Asthma

Within the GINA classification, a particular category known as “severe asthma” designates asthma that is uncontrollable even with therapy or that necessitates high-dose medications to stay under control. 

Asthmatics frequently have worsening symptoms more frequently, a decreased capacity to breathe, and an increased chance of asthma episodes.

Asthma Severity Categories

Healthcare providers can classify asthma patients according to symptoms, lung function, and frequency of exacerbations with the aid of the GINA asthma severity chart. It usually consists of four categories: mild persistent, moderate persistent, severe persistent, and intermittent. This gives an idea of the degree of control and therapy required for each severity level.

Treatment Options for Severe Asthma

An all-encompassing strategy is needed to manage severe asthma. In order to reduce inflammation and symptoms, treatment options may include long-acting beta-agonists, oral corticosteroids, biologic treatments, and high-dose inhaled corticosteroids.

With their ability to target particular inflammatory pathways, biological treatments provide a more individualized and focused course of treatment. Well, now, a new and advanced treatment approach is used for treating severe asthma.

Way of Life and Control Techniques

For severe asthma to be effectively managed, lifestyle modifications are essential in addition to medicine. Controlling asthma and lowering the risk of exacerbations requires avoiding triggers, knowing how to use an inhaler correctly, exercising frequently, maintaining a healthy diet, and working with a healthcare provider to create an action plan for your asthma.

Severe asthma requires a different level of attention and care compared to milder forms of the condition. Understanding the severity and following an appropriate treatment plan, as per the GINA asthma severity chart, is a key to managing the symptoms effectively.

If you or someone you know experiences severe asthma symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. They can provide a tailored treatment plan, offer guidance on medications, and assist in developing strategies to manage the condition effectively.

Treating Severe Asthma with Biologic Infusion Therapy:

Biologic infusion therapy has emerged as a promising and effective treatment for severe asthma, particularly when conventional therapies like inhaled corticosteroids and oral medications have shown limited effectiveness.

 These biologic therapies are designed to target specific inflammatory pathways in the immune system that are responsible for causing asthma symptoms. They are administered via infusion or injection and have shown positive outcomes in reducing asthma exacerbations and improving overall lung function.

Several biologics have been approved for treating severe asthma, each targeting different inflammatory pathways. Some of the commonly used biologics for asthma include:

Omalizumab (Xolair):

This biologic targets immunoglobulin E (IgE), a substance in the body that triggers allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. It’s used for allergic asthma and helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Mepolizumab (Nucala):

 This biologic targets interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein involved in the production of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell associated with asthma exacerbations. By reducing eosinophil levels, Mepolizumab helps control severe asthma.

Reslizumab (Cinqair):

 Similar to Mepolizumab, Reslizumab also targets IL-5 and is used to reduce severe asthma exacerbations associated with high eosinophil levels.

Benralizumab (Fasenra):

This biologic targets the interleukin-5 receptor on eosinophils, leading to their depletion. Benralizumab is used to reduce severe asthma attacks and improve lung function in individuals with eosinophilic asthma.

Dupilumab (Dupixent):

 Although initially approved for atopic dermatitis, Dupilumab targets two proteins involved in the immune response: interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). It is also approved for use in severe asthma cases with specific characteristics.

These biologics are generally recommended for individuals with severe, uncontrolled asthma who have specific biomarkers, such as elevated eosinophils or elevated IgE levels, as indicated by specific blood tests. They are often used as add-on therapies to standard asthma treatments.

Biologic infusion therapy has shown considerable success in reducing exacerbations, improving lung function, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe asthma. However, for any medical treatment, it’s important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment based on their specific condition, medical history, and other factors.

Natural Treatments

You may benefit from attempting some of these natural remedies in addition to your prescribed asthma medications, even if they shouldn’t take the place of your prescription drugs.

• Natural treatment examples include:
• Breathing techniques that could help you require less medication.
• Herbal cures include ingredients including caffeine, choline, and black seed.
• Yoga and mindfulness can help reduce stress, a factor that can aggravate asthma.

Numerous alternative therapies and their impact on severe asthma symptoms require more research. Before beginning any new supplement or herb regimen, talk to your doctor about your options.

Recovery

Medical supervision and therapy for severe asthma are typically needed for life. The amount of time it takes to recover from a severe asthma attack depends on your unique circumstances and how long it takes to bring the asthma attack under control, as asthma is difficult to treat.

Sometimes, severe asthma might result in lung damage that may be irreversible and need further care. That is why, in the event of a severe asthma attack, it is crucial to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Try to get as much rest as you can to hasten your recuperation. It’s possible that you’re emotionally and physically worn out, so give yourself a day off and avoid doing too much.

Prevention and Management

The most effective protection against asthma and severe asthma attacks is to adhere to your doctor’s recommended course of therapy. Work with them to make adjustments if your present one isn’t functioning.

Other strategies to avoid asthma and asthma attacks include the following:

• Keep a record of your symptoms and take medicine as needed to control them.
• To help you stop smoking, get treatment.
• Vaccinate against pneumonia, whooping cough, and the flu on a regular basis.
• Inform your physician if you observe that the medications and treatment plan are no longer effective.
• Limit the allergens you are exposed to, as they may aggravate your asthma.
• When exercising outside in chilly weather, put on a face mask.
• Take the necessary safety precautions if handling chemicals is part of your profession.
• On days with bad air quality, stay indoors.
• If you need to, discuss a weight-management strategy with your doctor.
• When you see the first symptoms of an asthma attack, use your rescue inhaler as directed.
• Take all of your daily meds as prescribed, including allergies and any prescriptions.

To help you in developing an asthma action plan, ask your physician. The actions you should take in the event of an asthma attack are described in this action plan. Talk about this strategy with your loved ones, friends, and coworkers. They will be able to assist you in the event of an attack if you share your plan with them.

Contact Fuse Infusion for Asthma Treatment

If your doctor has recommended biologic infusion therapy treatment for severe asthma, we at Fuse Infusion offer you the best treatment services. We treat severe asthma through medications, which are specialized biologics, and help our patients overcome this chronic disease.

Each Fuse Infusion patient receives direct care and treatment from our licensed professionals throughout biological infusion therapy, providing thorough medical management.

From start to end, each patient receives individualized care. When required, on-call medical professionals are accessible.

At Fuse Infusion, we believe in offering premium-quality services to our patients. So, contact us to receive a biological infusion today!