What Are Biologic Treatments For Asthma?

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biologic treatments for asthma

Persistent allergic asthma can significantly decrease your quality of life. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest tightness/pain, and/or wheezing. You may even experience trouble sleeping caused by intense coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing. Traditional asthma treatments, like inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta agonists may not be enough to control allergic asthma. 

That’s why we now offer a new type of treatment for people with eosinophilic asthma or severe persistent allergic asthma. This treatment is known as Monoclonal Antibodies, also referred to as mAbs, or biologics. Biologics are injectable medications used alongside your usual asthma medicines to better control symptoms.

Are Biologic Treatments For Asthma Effective?

Biologic treatments have been shown to be very effective in improving asthma. When used along with your regular asthma medications, treatments can improve symptoms and reduce asthma attacks in people by helping to stop the process that causes lung inflammation. Biologics also reduce the need for ora/inhalation steroids as well as the dosage of other maintenance asthma medication. 

Patients have said they experience better mobility and less stress with biologic treatments. So, if you require a fast-acting reliever medication, such as albuterol, several times a day or week or experience recurrent hospital admissions because of asthma, biologics may be the best treatment for you. Consult with our specialists to determine how effective biologic treatments may be for you.

How Safe Are Biologic Treatments?

Biologics treatments are generally very safe where some are approved in patients as young as 6yo. They rarely cause side effects such as minor irritation at the injection site, headaches, tiredness and cold like symptoms. Some medications have been linked to a small risk of anaphylaxis. In this case, your doctor will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto injector to carry with you in case of a severe reaction. Other common side effects include sore throat and fatigue. You can discuss your concerns and other possible side effects with one of our clinicians. 

Because of known side effects, biologic treatments are only offered by certain specialists especially those who treat asthma or allergy clinics like NY Allergy & Sinus Centers. We offer 10 convenient locations throughout New York City to care for your asthma. When you book an appointment for asthma treatment, you will receive a personalized treatment plan from top-rated allergists.

What Is The Process For Biologic Treatment?

If you are interested in beginning biologic treatment for asthma, you must first visit NY Allergy & Sinus Centers for a consultation. Once you start taking a biologic, you will be monitored to see how well the treatment works for you. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology recommends trialing the medication for at least four months to see if it is effective in improving your asthma. Our specialists will work with you to decide how long to keep you on a biologic if your asthma is under good control. If your asthma does not improve after receiving 4-12 months of biologic treatment, your asthma and treatment plant will be re-assessed. Call (212) 686-6321 to get started today!