Severe Allergic Asthma Treatment

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Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory condition. It occurs when allergens trigger inflammation. Because of the inflammation, the airways narrow, causing breathing difficulty. If you are also suffering from severe allergic asthma, finding the right treatment is crucial to improve quality of life. This article will discuss the best treatment for allergic asthma, various management strategies, and how to treat severe asthma effectively.

Understanding Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma, also known as allergy-induced asthma. It happens when airways narrow upon inhaling an allergen. These allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, or mould spores, are often airborne. Symptoms of allergic asthma include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and rashes.

Treatment Approaches

A healthcare provider will address both allergies and asthma to provide comprehensive care. Some treatments target asthma specifically, while others manage allergies, and certain treatments can help with both conditions. Allergic asthma treatment strategies include allergen avoidance, lifestyle adjustments, and medications.

Identifying and Avoiding Triggers

Pinpointing and avoiding asthma triggers is crucial. Since these triggers are often environmental, managing interactions with them is essential. For example, hiring someone to cut the grass if pollen is a trigger or avoiding places with many animals if dander is a trigger.

Medication Options

Medications for allergy-induced asthma can include several options. If you are still wondering how to treat severe asthma, let's look at some options. 

1. Rescue Inhalers (Short-Acting Bronchodilators)

These provide quick relief during an asthma attack by opening the airways and are often the first line of defence. Common rescue medications include albuterol and levalbuterol. Rescue inhalers are considered one of the Best treatments for allergic asthma.

2. Inhaled Corticosteroids

These medications reduce airway inflammation. They may require several days to weeks to reach maximum effectiveness and carry a relatively low risk of serious side effects compared to oral corticosteroids. Examples include fluticasone propionate, budesonide, and ciclesonide.

3. Long-Acting Bronchodilators

 Often combined with corticosteroids in inhalers, these medications help keep airways open. Combination inhalers include fluticasone-salmeterol and budesonide-formoterol.

4. Anti-Leukotriene Drugs

Oral medications like montelukast help relieve asthma symptoms. However, montelukast has been linked to psychological reactions and should be used with caution.

Severe Asthma Treatments

For severe asthma that remains uncontrolled despite inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators, additional treatments are available. Severe asthma is defined as persistent symptoms despite high-dose inhaled steroids plus long-acting beta-2 agonists, often requiring maintenance systemic steroids.

Personalised Treatment Plans

An asthma specialist can tailor a treatment plan based on the specific type of severe asthma. These plans may include:

1. Oral Corticosteroids

These medicines control inflammation and may be prescribed long-term for those with frequent asthma flare-ups. However, long-term use can pose risks to other bodily organs.

2. Macrolide Antibiotics

These help the body fight infection by controlling the number of white blood cells in the airways. Long-term use is not recommended due to the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Biologic Therapies

Newer treatments like biological therapies are available for severe persistent asthma. These include:

1. Anti-IgE (Omalizumab)

This blocks IgE antibodies, which are viewed as a target for immunological drug development in asthma. Omalizumab has shown to be a useful treatment for atopic asthma, improving the quality of life for patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.

2. Blocks IL-5 (Mepolizumab, Reslizumab, and Benralizumab)

 These are used for eosinophilic asthma. Mepolizumab targets blood cells that trigger asthma attacks, helping to lower the number of severe asthma attacks.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty is a procedure for hyperreactive asthma. It involves using a bronchoscope to apply heat to the inside of the bronchial tubes, reducing the smooth muscle around the airways and making them less reactive to triggers. This outpatient procedure is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia.

Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle and environmental changes can significantly improve asthma control.

  • Avoidance of Environmental Triggers: Reducing exposure to pollutants and allergens can decrease inflammation.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking, changing diet, and exercising can improve Non-Type 2 asthma, which is associated with neutrophils.

Seeking Expert Advice

Managing severe allergic asthma requires a comprehensive approach, including identifying triggers, using appropriate medications, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments. Consulting with an asthma specialist is crucial to developing a personalised treatment plan. If you are looking for the Best General Physician in Jaipur for Allergic asthma treatment, consider visiting a healthcare provider for expert advice and tailored treatment strategies. If you or a loved one is struggling with severe allergic asthma, consult a healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment plan.

For expert asthma care, visit Swasthya Clinics and take control of your respiratory health today.