Chronic Conditions
Asthma
Struggling with chronic asthma? TwelveStone Health Partners offers advanced biologic medications like Fasenra, Nucala, Tezspire & Xolair. Breathe easier today—contact us for personalized asthma care.Asthma Medications
What Is Chronic Asthma?
Chronic asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in your lungs. Unlike occasional breathing difficulties, chronic asthma persists over time and requires ongoing management. When your airways become inflamed, they become more sensitive to various triggers, making breathing difficult and affecting your lung function.
This condition affects millions of people worldwide, from children to adults. While there’s no cure for chronic asthma, the right treatment plan can help you manage symptoms effectively and live an active, fulfilling life.
Asthma Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of asthma helps you recognize when to seek care and when to adjust your management plan.
Early Symptoms of Asthma
Early warning signs often appear before a full episode develops. You might notice mild shortness of breath during physical activity, occasional coughing (especially at night), or slight chest tightness. Some people experience fatigue or feel like they can’t catch their breath after minimal exertion.
Severe or Persistent Asthma Symptoms
When asthma becomes more severe, common symptoms intensify and occur more frequently. You may experience persistent wheezing, difficulty speaking in complete sentences, and shortness of breath even at rest. Severe asthma can significantly impact your ability to sleep, work, and enjoy daily activities.
Asthma Attack Symptoms
An asthma attack requires immediate attention. During an attack, you may experience intense chest tightness, rapid breathing, severe wheezing, and difficulty breathing that doesn’t improve with your rescue inhaler. Your lips or fingernails may appear bluish, and you might feel anxious or panicked.
If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
What Causes Asthma
The exact cause of asthma isn’t fully understood, but it develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Your immune system plays a significant role, as asthma involves an overreaction to substances that don’t bother most people.
Genetic and Family Risk Factors
If your parents or siblings have asthma, allergies, or eczema, you’re more likely to develop the condition. Genetics influences how your immune system responds to allergens and irritants, making family history one of the strongest predictors of asthma risk.
Immune and Allergy-Related Triggers
Many asthma triggers are connected to allergic responses. Common culprits include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. Respiratory infections, particularly during childhood, can also contribute to asthma development and trigger flare-ups.
Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers
Your surroundings significantly impact asthma symptoms. Air pollution, tobacco smoke, strong odors, and cold air can all provoke episodes. Occupational exposures to chemicals, dust, or fumes may also trigger or worsen symptoms.
How Asthma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing asthma involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and lung function. Your healthcare provider will likely perform spirometry, a breathing test that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly.
Additional tests may include peak flow measurements, allergy testing, or chest X-rays to rule out other conditions.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and what seems to trigger them. This information helps create an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Asthma Medications We Offer
TwelveStone Health Partners provides access to advanced biologic medications for patients with moderate to severe asthma who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
Xolair: Xolair (omalizumab) targets immunoglobulin E (IgE), making it particularly effective for allergic asthma. Administered every two to four weeks, Xolair can reduce asthma attacks and improve your overall quality of life.
Fasenra: Fasenra (benralizumab) targets eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that contributes to airway inflammation. This injectable medication is administered every eight weeks after initial doses and can significantly improve breathing and reduce flare-ups.
Nucala: Nucala (mepolizumab) also addresses eosinophilic asthma by reducing eosinophil levels in your blood. Given monthly, Nucala helps decrease severe asthma attacks and may reduce your need for oral corticosteroids.
Tezspire: Tezspire (tezepelumab) works differently by blocking an inflammatory protein at the top of the inflammation cascade. This makes it effective for various types of severe asthma, regardless of eosinophil levels.
Organizational Resources
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading national patient organization for people with asthma and allergies and the world’s oldest asthma and allergy patient group.
The Allergy & Asthma Network is a leading nonprofit patient outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions.
The American Lung Association is a voluntary health organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research.
New Patient Resources
Take Control of Your Asthma Today
At TwelveStone Health Partners, we’re committed to helping you find the right treatment options so you can breathe easier and get back to the activities you love. Our dedicated team is ready to answer your questions, explore medication options, and support you every step of the way.
Ready to start your journey toward better breathing? Contact TwelveStone Health Partners today to learn how we can help you manage your asthma with confidence.
