Allergic asthma is a long-term disease that is common in adults. The main symptoms of allergic asthma are frequent coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Allergic asthma treatment consists of five steps: prevention, drug therapy, allergy vaccinations, complementary therapies and education. Allergic asthma can cause serious problems if left untreated. Left untreated, it can become difficult asthma that is more difficult to treat. In this article, we have written what you need to know about difficult asthma.

What is Difficult Asthma?

The definition that clinicians use for difficult-to-treat asthma is still a controversial term. It includes cases of severe asthma, cortisone-dependent or cortisone-resistant asthma that cannot be controlled with standard treatment over a 6-12 month period. There are different forms according to the frequency of asthma attacks, the onset of symptoms, the duration of the disease and the response to treatment. Anti-IgE therapy is used as a new treatment option, especially in severe asthma that occurs after long-term allergen exposure and does not respond to treatment. It has been shown to reduce the quality of life, drug use and emergency admissions of patients with allergic asthma.

What is Anti IgE Treatment?

The new drug used in the treatment of asthmatic patients is the so-called anti-IgE therapy.

The most important substance in allergic diseases, which is the most common cause of asthma, is antibodies against allergens, which we call IgE. IgEs in the circulation settle on the allergy cells and then, when we come into contact with the allergen, they cause the release of chemicals that cause complaints such as shortness of breath, wheezing and sputum. The drug, which we call anti-IgE therapy, binds the circulating IgEs and prevents them from sticking to the allergy cell, thus preventing the release of chemical substances from the allergy cells.

When Is Anti IgE Treatment Used?

It can be used in patients with severe allergic asthma that cannot be controlled with anti-IgE inhaler cortisones, who are sensitive to an allergen (mite, mold, pet) that is difficult to treat throughout the year. It has been shown that anti-IgE treatment provides control of complaints and also reduces the need for reliever medication and asthma exacerbations.

How to Evaluate Anti-IgE Treatment Response?

With these newly developed drugs, difficult asthma treatment can be provided. After the asthmatic patients with this condition are examined and evaluated by allergy specialists, treatment is started by injecting the arm once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks.

At the 16th week of the treatment, the response of the patient to the treatment is evaluated by looking at the reduction of complaints, the use of reliever medication and the reduction of exacerbations. Recent data show that despite the discontinuation of anti-IgE therapy after long-term treatment, her complaints did not return. It should be done only in centers where allergy specialists are present and suitable conditions are provided for treatment, and patients should be kept waiting for at least two hours after the application.

As a result;

  • If allergic asthma is not treated, it can turn into difficult asthma.
  • It is possible to treat allergic difficult asthma with Anti IgE.
  • Anti-IgE therapy, which is used in the treatment of allergic difficult asthma, can reduce asthma attacks and drug use.
  • Anti-IgE therapy, which is used in the treatment of allergic difficult asthma, can only be written and applied by allergy specialists.