Do you or someone you know struggle with severe asthma even after trying multiple treatments? Are daily symptoms, frequent inhaler use, or repeated flare-ups affecting your quality of life?
If so, you’re not alone—and there is hope.
In this article, we explore
biologic therapy for severe asthma, a modern treatment approach designed to target the root cause of asthma inflammation. By the end, you’ll understand how biologics work and how they may help improve breathing and long-term asthma control.
Understanding Severe Asthma
According to the
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), asthma is considered severe when it requires:
- Medium to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids
- Additional long-acting asthma medications
People with
severe uncontrolled asthma often experience:
- Symptoms almost every day
- Nighttime asthma symptoms
- Frequent use of rescue inhalers
- Daily or frequent oral steroid use
Severe asthma can significantly affect daily life, leading to:
- Missed work or school days
- Reduced physical activity
Poor overall quality of life
Patients with severe asthma also commonly exhibit reduced lung function, as measured by pulmonary function tests (PFTs
The Growing Impact of Asthma in Florida
In
Tampa, Florida, allergens such as pollen, mold, and humidity often trigger asthma flare-ups. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- In 2020, approximately
1.27 million adults in Florida had asthma
- This represents
7.3% of the adult population
Thankfully, the landscape of asthma treatment is evolving, all because of the advancements in asthma biologic therapy. offer a targeted and personalized approach to asthma treatment by interfering with specific inflammatory pathways involved in the disease process.
Unlike traditional asthma medications, which provide symptomatic relief, biologic drugs for asthma target key molecules and cells in the immune system responsible for triggering and sustaining asthma-related inflammation.
For instance, a biologic for asthma works by blocking the action of interleukins, proteins involved in promoting inflammation, while others target immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody responsible for
allergic reactions in asthma. By disrupting these pathways, biologics
help minimize severe asthma symptoms, reducing airway inflammation and improving lung function.
The focused approach of biologics in targeting the root causes of asthma not only helps manage symptoms effectively, it also reduces the likelihood of experiencing widespread side effects commonly linked to traditional treatments such as oral steroids.
Moreover, the personalized approach of biologic therapy allows for treatment strategies tailored to the circumstances of each patient. This customized approach optimizes treatment effectiveness and improves the overall quality of care.
Read More:
Biologics Treatment
How Do Biologics Aid Severe Asthma?
- Reduced Exacerbations
Research indicates that biologic therapy can markedly reduce the occurrence and intensity of asthma attacks, resulting in improved management of the disease and enhanced quality of life.
2. Improved Lung Function
By targeting inflammatory pathways, asthma biologics help reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function, allowing individuals to breathe more freely.
3. Personalized Treatment
Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, biologic asthma treatment is tailored to each patient’s asthma phenotype, ensuring optimal outcomes.
4. Long-Lasting Effects
Biologics offer sustained benefits, with many patients experiencing prolonged remission and reduced reliance on rescue medications.
5. Enhanced Safety Profile
Compared to systemic steroids, which carry a risk of significant side effects with prolonged use, biologics are generally well-tolerated and pose fewer systemic risks.
Choosing the Right Biologic
With several biologic options, selecting the most suitable treatment may seem daunting. However, asthma doctors near you can help navigate this decision by conducting thorough evaluations and assessing individual risk factors. When consulting with a healthcare provider to choose a biologic, consider the following:
Identifying the predominant inflammatory pathway driving asthma symptoms (e.g., eosinophilic, allergic) helps select the most appropriate biologic.
Assessing how well a patient responds to treatment involves closely monitoring their progress and making adjustments as necessary. This process includes analyzing clinical outcomes and conducting biomarker assessments to ensure the chosen biologic is effectively managing the asthma symptoms and inflammation.
Carefully evaluating its safety profile is essential in choosing the appropriate biologic. This involves examining potential side effects and contraindications, especially in patients who have other medical conditions or may be sensitive to certain medications.
The appropriate biologic for treatment must take into consideration patient preferences, lifestyle factors, and administration options. This includes evaluating whether the patient prefers injections or other forms of administration, setting the frequency of these injections, and seeing if they can be administered at home or in a clinic setting. These considerations help ensure that the chosen biologic aligns with the patient’s needs and preferences, ultimately optimizing treatment adherence and effectiveness.
Navigating Treatment Challenges
While biologic therapy offers promising results, addressing potential challenges and barriers to its access is essential. Some common considerations include:
Biologics can be expensive, and navigating insurance coverage and prior authorization requirements is usually challenging. Working with allergy experts and advocacy organizations often help facilitate access to these medications.
Some biologics require regular injections, which may be inconvenient for some patients. However, advancements in self-administration techniques and the availability of at-home injection options have made treatment more accessible and convenient.
It's essential to have regular check-ups and follow-up appointments to evaluate how the treatment is working. Watch out for any side effects, and make any necessary changes to the therapy. Open communication with healthcare providers can help optimize treatment outcomes and address concerns or questions.
Unlocking the Potential of Biologic Therapy
Biologic therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to managing severe asthma, offering targeted relief and improved quality of life for patients in Tampa, Florida, and beyond. By understanding the basics of biologic treatment, our community can harness its transformative power to breathe easier and overcome asthma.
If you are struggling with severe asthma or know someone who is, don’t lose hope – talk to your asthma doctor here at
Advanced Allergy and Asthma Care about whether biologic therapy is right for you. Contact us at (727) 544-8100 or (813) 476-3394 to talk with our expert allergist or simply click the “Book an Appointment” button to schedule your consultation today. Together, we can work toward a future where asthma no longer dictates our lives, managing the condition with confidence and vitality.