Asthma is a serious disease that affects more than 250 million people worldwide. This severe disease suddenly appears and frustrates the person, and they have no choice left but to avoid this disease with inhalers, but still, there are some asthma treatments that can help you prevent this condition. Also, here are a few certain remedies that have recently been created to treat asthma, and in this blog, we are going to expose all these treatments that may aid you in bringing relief to this illness.
Consult with Dr. Syed Arsad Husain, who is an asthma specialist in UAE for personalized care and effective solutions to breathe better.
New Ways to Treat Asthma
1. Biologics: Targeting Asthma at Its Roots
Biologics offer a groundbreaking approach by targeting the underlying causes of asthma, especially for those with severe or eosinophilic asthma.
- Biologics focus on reducing inflammation caused by specific immune cells.
- Benralizumab (Fasenra) cuts down eosinophil levels, controlling severe asthma.
- This treatment is administered as an injection every 8 weeks after initial doses.
- Common side effects include mild headaches and a sore throat after the injection.
- Biologics are ideal for patients with persistent, hard-to-manage asthma symptoms.
2. Dupilumab: From Eczema to Asthma Ally
Dupilumab, originally designed for eczema, now plays a key role in managing hard-to-control eosinophilic asthma.
- Administered every two weeks as a self-injectable treatment after initial doctor guidance.
- Dupilumab helps reduce eosinophil counts and inflammation in the lungs.
- Side effects may include a sore throat, temporary redness, or increased eosinophils.
- This medication offers patients more independence with home-based treatments.
3. Mepolizumab: Reducing Inflammation by Targeting White Blood Cells
Mepolizumab focuses on lowering the number of eosinophils, reducing inflammation and asthma symptoms.
- Given every 4 weeks as an injection to manage eosinophilic asthma.
- Reduces airway inflammation by targeting specific white blood cells.
- Patients might experience side effects like fatigue, headaches, or neck pain.
- Mepolizumab helps keep asthma flare-ups in check with fewer hospital visits.
4. Omalizumab: Fighting Allergies and Asthma Together
Omalizumab is a specialized treatment for asthma triggered by year-round allergens like dust or pet dander.
- It’s administered every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of asthma.
- Omalizumab prevents allergic reactions from escalating into asthma attacks.
- Side effects may include joint and muscle aches or minor skin reactions.
- This biologic is highly effective for patients with allergy-driven asthma.
5. Reslizumab: IV Treatment for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma
Reslizumab delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory effect through IV for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.
- Administered once every 4 weeks via a 20-50 minute IV session.
- It reduces eosinophil levels in the lungs to control inflammation.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include sore throat or muscle aches.
- Reslizumab is reserved for patients who need intensive asthma control.
6. Fevipiprant: A Pill for Asthma’s Future
Fevipiprant, currently under study, holds promise as a new oral treatment for asthma.
- This medication is designed for both mild and severe asthma cases.
- Fevipiprant works by targeting inflammation without injections or IVs.
- It may become the first pill-based biologic for asthma control.
- Final clinical trials are underway, with high hopes for its approval.
7. Long-Term Control: Preventing Flare-Ups with Consistent Medication
Long-term control treatments ensure asthma symptoms remain under control, even when there are no visible signs.
- Inhaled corticosteroids prevent airway inflammation and minimize asthma attacks.
- Leukotriene modifiers reduce inflammation and prevent lung constriction.
- Long-acting beta-agonists relax airway muscles for prolonged periods of relief.
- Combination medications offer a dual approach, blending corticosteroids with bronchodilators.
- These treatments are essential for maintaining asthma control over time.