Asthma Biologic Therapy
- Home
- Respiratory Care
- Lung
- Procedures/Services
- Asthma Biologic Therapy
What are Biologic Treatments for Asthma?
Biologics are advanced medications designed to target specific parts of the immune system. These treatments are made from living cells or proteins and are used for severe asthma that doesn’t respond well to traditional methods like inhalers and steroids. Some examples of biologics include omalizumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab.
How Do Biologics Treat Asthma?
Biologics work by targeting specific molecules involved in the inflammation process that causes asthma symptoms. By reducing these inflammatory processes, biologics help to:
- Decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks: Fewer attacks lead to a more stable and manageable condition.
- Lower inflammation in the airways: This helps improve overall lung function and makes breathing easier.
- Prevent damage to the airways: By controlling inflammation, biologics can reduce the risk of long-term damage from severe asthma.
Biologics are typically administered through injections or infusions. The frequency of these treatments can vary, but they are usually given at regular intervals, such as every few weeks or months.
What Is the Criteria for Asthma Biologics Treatment
Biologics are generally considered for patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma who have not achieved sufficient control with other treatments. The criteria include:
- Severe Asthma: Your asthma must be classified as severe, meaning it significantly affects your daily life despite other treatments.
- Failure of Other Treatments: You should have tried other asthma treatments, such as high-dose inhaled steroids or combination inhalers, without adequate relief.
What are the Benefits of Biologics?
The use of biologics offers several notable benefits for those with severe asthma:
- Significant Reduction in Asthma Attacks: Biologics can lead to fewer and less severe asthma attacks.
- Improved Lung Function: Patients often experience better lung function and reduced symptoms.
- Reduced Need for Oral Steroids: By controlling inflammation effectively, biologics can decrease the reliance on oral steroids, which have more significant side effects.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: With better asthma control, patients often find improvements in their overall quality of life, including better sleep and increased physical activity.
What are the Side Effects of Biologics Treatment?
While biologics are highly effective, they may come with some side effects. Common side effects include:
- Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Headaches and Fatigue: Some patients report feeling tired or experiencing headaches.
- In Rare Cases: Severe allergic reactions and a higher risk of parasitic infections may occur. It’s crucial to monitor for any unusual symptoms and consult your doctor if they arise.
How Long Does It Take For Biologics to Work?
The time it takes to notice the benefits of biologics can vary. Many patients begin to see improvements within a few weeks, but for others, it may take a few months to experience the full effects. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to evaluate how well the treatment is working and to make any necessary adjustments.
Will I Still Need To Take My Inhaler?
Even with biologics, you may still need to use inhalers for day-to-day symptom management or during acute flare-ups. Your doctor will evaluate how you respond to biologics and may recommend adjustments to your inhaler use based on your treatment progress.
Biologics Asthma Treatment in Singapore
Biologics for asthma are available at specialised asthma and respiratory clinics throughout Singapore. At O2 Lung Centre, we offer expert care and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our specialists are well-versed in biologics and can help determine if this advanced treatment is right for you. Contact us today to explore your options and take the next step towards better asthma control.