Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Many patients with asthma rely on medicines such as corticosteroids to manage their symptoms. But these drugs can have harmful side effects, including weakening the body’s immune system. A new asthma medicine that avoids compromising the body’s natural defenses is now available and could bring relief to those with asthma.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. The airways are chronically inflamed, causing them to be overly sensitive to certain triggers, such as dust, pollen, or cold air.

When these triggers come into contact with the airways, they cause the muscles around the airway to tighten, making it difficult to breathe.

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People with asthma may also experience tightness in the chest or feel as if they are unable to catch their breath.

Symptoms can occur at any time, but they often worsen at night or early in the morning.

The Role of Corticosteroids in Asthma Treatment

Corticosteroids are a type of medicine that is often used to treat asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps to ease symptoms. Several types of corticosteroids are available, including inhalers, pills, and injections.

However, corticosteroids can have harmful side effects, especially when used for a long time. They can suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.

Long-term use of corticosteroids can also lead to bone loss, high blood sugar, and other health problems.

A New Asthma Medicine

A new asthma medicine is now available that avoids compromising the body’s natural defenses. It is called Dupilumab and is a type of biologic medicine. Biologic medicines work differently than traditional drugs and are made from living cells.

Dupilumab targets a protein called interleukin-4 (IL-4) which plays a key role in the inflammation associated with asthma.

Dupilumab is given as an injection every two weeks. Clinical trials have shown that it is effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving lung function.

Unlike corticosteroids, Dupilumab does not weaken the immune system, which means that patients may be less susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

Benefits of Dupilumab

One of the main benefits of Dupilumab is that it does not come with the harmful side effects that are associated with corticosteroids. Patients can use Dupilumab without worrying about bone loss, high blood sugar, or other health problems.

Because it does not weaken the immune system, patients may also be less likely to get sick or develop infections.

Dupilumab is also effective at reducing asthma symptoms. Clinical trials have shown that patients who use Dupilumab have fewer asthma attacks, experience less wheezing and coughing, and have better lung function overall.

This can lead to an improved quality of life for patients with asthma.

Who Can Use Dupilumab?

Dupilumab is approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who have moderate-to-severe asthma. It is not a quick-relief medication and should not be used to treat acute symptoms of asthma.

Instead, Dupilumab is used to help manage symptoms over the long term.

Before starting Dupilumab, patients should talk to their healthcare provider about any other medications they are taking, as well as any other health conditions they have.

Dupilumab may not be appropriate for everyone, and patients should discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although corticosteroids are often used to manage symptoms, they can have harmful side effects such as weakening the immune system.

A new asthma medicine called Dupilumab is now available and offers a different approach to managing symptoms. Dupilumab targets the inflammation associated with asthma without compromising the body’s natural defenses, making it a promising option for those with moderate-to-severe asthma.