Improving Outcomes with Monoclonal Antibodies in Severe Uncontrolled Asthma

Authors

William A. Diez Jr, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary Care

Advisor

Dr. Tom Colletti

Abstract

There are over 24 million people in the United States who suffer from asthma with approximately 5.5 million of them being children. Asthma is a heterogenous disease which causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough varying in intensity and timing.There is a continued need for disease state education in the primary care setting. Not only for clinicians, but also the patient population who suffers from this disease. Primary care clinicians are the gate keepers and understanding the pathophysiology of asthma is essential to treating this disease. Asthma is a reversible disease that can have significantly improved outcomes if detected early and managed correctly. The consequences of mismanagement can have a detrimental effect on patients and can lead to irreversible damage in the form of fixed airflow obstruction. Clinicians and patients must work together to improve outcomes and it all begins with disease state education and pharmaceutical treatment options. Monoclonal antibody use for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma has been available for almost 20 years. The recent addition of several new agents, in the last six years, have improved treatment options for patients. Monoclonal antibodies like Omalizumab, Dupilumab, Benralizumab, Reslizumab and Mepolizumab have been well established in their efficacy for treating severe uncontrolled asthma.

Recommended Citation

Diez WA. Improving Outcomes with Monoclonal Antibodies in Severe Uncontrolled Asthma. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(4).