Management of Severe Asthma with Biologics in Adolescents and Adults

Authors

Carrie C. DeLong, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Allergy, Asthma, Immunology

Advisor

Tom Colletti

Abstract

Over the past decade, the complex pathophysiology of asthma has become better understood, helping to develop new therapy options for patients. Asthma has various severity classifications ranging from mild intermittent to severe persistent. The severe form of the disease affects a small percentage of patients but is responsible for a large component of the overall disease burden. Patients suffering from severe asthma report significant changes in quality of life related to work, family, and school. Activities and lifestyles are typically more restricted for those with more severe asthma and those with comorbidities, especially rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, eosinophilic esophagitis, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea. Although treatment options for these patients were previously limited to inhalers, oral medications (leukotriene inhibitors, theophylline), and corticosteroids, the emergence of biologic therapies to treat the inflammatory pathways offers new targeted therapy for asthmatic patients. Due to these recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory asthma, patients may benefit from newer biologic agents.

Recommended Citation

DeLong CC. Management of Severe Asthma with Biologics in Adolescents and Adults. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 4(1).