Untamed Breathing Disorder: Identifying Signs, Root Causes, and Remedies
Uncontrolled asthma, a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, interfering with breathing, can lead to more frequent asthma attacks and disrupt daily life. It is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
In the U.S., a person should dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department immediately if they or someone they know cannot breathe, becomes drowsy or confused, loses consciousness, develops blue, gray, or white lips or nails, does not experience relief from quick-relief medications, or has peak flow meter readings that are below their best peak flow.
Consulting with a doctor is essential to understand which treatment option is most suitable. A doctor may assess a person's lung function and ask questions about known triggers or the effectiveness of current medications. If necessary, they may ask a person to demonstrate using their inhaler to verify correct usage and provide guidance if necessary.
Treatment for uncontrolled asthma may involve starting new medications or adjusting existing ones. Six biologics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of uncontrolled asthma: omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, tezepelumab, and dupilumab. These treatments can help block the triggers that lead to airway inflammation.
However, several barriers prevent adults with asthma in the U.S. from receiving appropriate treatment. Financial constraints, limited health insurance coverage, medication costs, transportation issues, low health literacy, and poor communication between patients and healthcare providers are common obstacles.
Health insurance plays a significant role, as limited or inadequate coverage affects access to prescribed asthma treatments, especially biologic therapies that can be costly. Geographical location also influences treatment access, notably via availability of healthcare services and transportation challenges. Urban underserved areas, as well as rural locations, face increased hurdles such as difficulty getting to appointments or specialty clinics, limiting timely receipt of care and biologic therapies.
Cost of medications is a direct factor impacting adherence and treatment uptake. Patients often discontinue or avoid controller medications due to high out-of-pocket costs or perceptions that treatments are not cost-effective. Additional challenges include low health literacy and misunderstanding of inhaler techniques, communication gaps, work schedule and appointment timing conflicts, and distrust and discrimination among certain marginalized communities.
Addressing these factors is critical to improving treatment outcomes for adults with uncontrolled asthma in the U.S. By addressing financial constraints, improving communication, and increasing access to healthcare and affordable medications, we can help those living with asthma breathe easier.
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