Asthma

Being diagnosed with Asthma

Life with asthma can be challenging for the nearly 25 million Americans, adults and children, diagnosed with the respiratory condition. Asthma is characterized by a narrowing of the airways. These are the tubes which bring air into our lungs. When the airways of someone with asthma are exposed to a trigger, they become inflamed and constrict. This is what leads to shortness of breath and wheezing. Anyone who has had an asthma attack knows how scary this all feels. Often these episodes are unpredictable in nature. Some days are good, others are not. The asthma diagnosis process is typically straightforward based on history of flares and physical exams. After diagnosis, inhaler devices usually become a constant companion of asthmatic individuals given how effective they are at resolving symptoms quickly. Most people who have asthma enjoy full and busy lives. For those seeking better control, dietary changes may help along with efforts to increase physical activity.

Understanding your options

Inhaled corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators are the most common and effective treatments for asthma. These therapies have enabled people with asthma to enjoy the outdoors and play sports. A doctor who specializes in respiratory illness will determine what type of inhaler should be prescribed based on the patient profile. This doctor may also help with the creation of an 'asthma action plan" to help patients and their loved ones manage symptoms and emergencies. This is important because on top of facing breathing problems, there is also a mental aspect to asthma that may present as increased anxiety around the “what ifs.” For example, parents often think about what would happen if their child has an asthma attack at school. Over time routines and a comfort level set-in that help with these kinds of concerns. In addition to the effort to be prepared in case of an asthma flare, there is also work involved to prevent attacks. This involves understanding the triggers that create asthmatic episodes and taking steps to reduce or avoid contact with such substances (pollen, smoke, etc.).

Advances in treatment

There have been several advances in asthma treatment in recent years with many others under investigation. Consider for example, benralizumab, a biologic therapy designed to target white blood cells called eosinophils involved in lung inflammation. Eosinophils are responsible nearly half of all asthma attacks. Benralizumab was approved in 2017 for patients that have severe asthma. The injectable drug is now being studied for its ability to treat attacks as an alternative to rescue inhalers. Clinical researchers are also evaluating new combination ‘cocktails’ of therapies to see if they can work at an immune system level to prevent cells from over-reacting in the presence of triggers. All of this work is an effort to give asthma patients new options outside of inhalers for improved symptom control and quality of life.

You can get involved

Encouraged by where research is headed to bring renewed hope and better treatment options to those living with asthma? The numerous clinical trials exploring new therapies today that could become the standard treatments of the future are in need of participants. Interested in helping to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies? Sign-up today to find out which trials are enrolling volunteers near your home and see if you could be a match!

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

Asthma | Cleveland Clinic (updated January 19, 2022)
New Asthma Medications and Treatment Advances | WebMD (November 12, 2022)
Asthma | Mayo Clinic (updated March 8, 2025)
Managing Asthma Eczema | American Lung Association (updated February 12, 2025)