Tag Archives: Difficult to manage asthma

Allergies and antibodies

Asthma is sometimes linked with allergies. If you have this type of asthma you will be looked after by an asthma specialist. Some people with asthma related allergies may be suitable for antibody treatment. Antibody treatment is only effective for small number of people with allergic asthma, it doesn’t work for everyone. If the specialist […]

Medicine to treat an acute asthma attack

There is a standard method of treating an acute asthma attack. It consists of high dose reliever medication and steroid tablets. The usual reliever drug used is Salbutamol. It is delivered by a spacer device one puff at a time up to 10 times. Salbutamol may be given by nebuliser, there is a standard dose vial […]

Medicine for difficult to manage asthma

There are different types of commonly used treatments for difficult to manage asthma: Monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Omalizumab which is also known by the name Xolair®). Oral steroids or injection. Steroid sparing agents (e.g. Methotrexate, ciclosporin, gold). Antifungal medicines. Terbutaline infusion (A fast acting reliever) Some medicines are preventative and others are used to treat an […]

Reasons for difficult to control asthma

Incorrect diagnosis One reason for a poor response to treatment is that some people do not have asthma, but have another illness causing their symptoms. Your GP may refer you to a respiratory specialist for further investigation to confirm asthma or look for an alternative diagnosis. Sometimes it  takes time and a trial of medication […]