Fall/Winter 2024 9 highly unpredictable, and even those with mild or infrequent symptoms can have severe, lifethreatening episodes. Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021 indicate that 7.7% of the U.S. population—about 25 million people—have asthma. Diagnosis of asthma consists of a thorough history and physical exam, breathing tests, and lab work. How it’s treated Treatment of asthma often includes inhaled medications that target airway constriction and inflammation. Asthma flare-ups sometimes require oral corticosteroids to tame the inflammation and reduce symptoms quickly. Oral steroids are associated with negative side effects, such as diabetes, cataracts, osteoporosis and pneumonia. Research has shown that using oral steroids for even four to five courses over a lifetime can have a cumulative effect that puts people at higher risk for these side effects. Inhaled corticosteroids cause far fewer side effects and are the preferred approach in asthma management. Treatment guidelines for asthma have changed significantly over the past decade, including shifts in the use of inhaled medications as well as the emergence of several treatments targeted at severe and difficult-to-treat asthma. Roughly 5% to 10% of asthma is considered severe. In these cases, patients continue to have asthma flare-ups despite treatment with high-dose inhaled steroids combined with long-acting medications to reduce constriction, and they often require oral steroids. For these patients, monoclonal antibody therapy, sometimes called biologic therapy, can be highly effective. The inflammatory changes associated with asthma are often termed a cascade, and monoclonal antibody therapy works to block or bind with specific molecules along that path to stop progression. Careful assessment of a patient’s symptoms, history, lab work, response to previous therapy and other medical conditions guides our decision in choosing the biologic therapy that will be most effective for each patient. The goal of this personalized approach is fewer symptoms for the patient and a reduction in steroid use and associated side effects. Our team is here for you Working with your primary care provider is the first step, and as lung specialists we can offer the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic options. We are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment to help our patients breathe easier. Sources: Allergy. 2007 Jun; 62(6):591-604. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01349.x; David B. Price et al. J Asthma Allergy. 2018. We are dedicated to providing evidencebased treatment options to help our patients reach their goals and breathe easier. asthma Find relief from asthma To make an appointment with one of our lung experts, call 605-665-1152.
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