Does an Air Purifier help asthma or allergies, is a common question asked among allergy specialists. There is evidence that indoor air pollution is associated with poor asthma outcomes, including hospitalizations and asthma medication use, poorer lung function and asthma-related mortality. So reducing indoor air pollution is likely important for improving outcomes in people with […]
Tezspire vs. Nucala vs. Fasenra vs. Dupixent for Eosinophilic Asthma, a comparison
With the influx of new biological medications for asthma, the question is which one is the best to use in comparing Tezspire, Nucala, Fasenra and Dupixent? In many individuals, asthma remains uncontrolled despite the use of inhaled steroids, the use of new biological injections can improve symptoms greatly. There are no head to head trials […]
Airsupra for Asthma, a new rescue medication
Airsupra was recently FDA approved for rescue treatment for asthma. Airsupra is a combination product of albuterol and budesonide that is for as needed treatment of bronchoconstriction and to reduce exacerbations for those 18 years and older. Albuterol has been the mainstay for many years in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. Albuterol is a […]
Nucala, Fasenra or Dupixent for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma?
With the advent of new biological medications for severe eosinophilic asthma, patients have improved significantly. Approximately 10% of individuals with asthma have severe disease, and this accounts for most asthma related morbidity and mortality. Previously the mainstay of treatment was inhaled steroids and beta agonists. In patients with severe asthma who have high eosinophils (greater […]
Itepekimab (Anti IL-33) & Brodalumab (Anti IL-25) for Asthma
Itepekimab and Brodalumab are two biologic medications being studied for asthma. Current biologics including Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra and Dupixent target downstream IgE, cytokines IL-5 and IL-4/13, have shown promising effects in terms of reduced asthma exacerbation rates, oral steroids, improved breathing capacity and asthma scores. However approximately 30% of patients receiving biologics do not improve […]
What are the best foods for Asthma?
As an asthma doctor, I am often asked what are the best foods for asthma? Before we begin, it should be noted that no foods will help relieve an asthma attack. But your daily diet plays a role in your overall health to keep you healthy and reduce symptoms of asthma. Asthma is a chronic […]
Does Expired Albuterol work?
Does expired albuterol work? Expiration dates of pharmaceutical products are important to know. They are based on stability studies conducted by manufacturers. Expiration dates imply that the medications no longer retain their potency and should be discarded once its reached, but in facts, the post expiration residual drug strength is usually undetermined. In fact in […]
Itepekimab in Asthma and COPD
Itepekimab is an anti-Il-33 monoclonal. Il-33 is an epithelium-derived cytokine that promotes Th2 immune responses in response to cellular damage with roles in asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Two randomized controlled clinical trials were performed assessing the efficacy of Itepekimab in asthma and COPD. After identifying the asthma associated variants in the genes […]
JAK inhibitors for asthma, a new treatment option
JAK inhibitors for asthma are currently being studied. Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by intermittent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Many of the inflammatory pathways implicated in asthma involve factors that activate the Janus Kinase (JAK). The discovery of the Janus kinases activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway was […]
When can you stop inhaled steroids for asthma?
Inhaled steroids for asthma is the recommended first-line treatment for patients who are uncontrolled. Inhaled steroids have led to fewer hospitalizations and deaths over the past 10-15 years. Recent Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, recommend in mild asthma, intermittent use of an inhaled steroid and long acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) on an as needed basis […]