Asthma
Asthma is a long-term (chronic) disease of the lungs that has a very diverse way of presenting itself. It causes the airways to get inflamed and narrow, which makes it hard to breathe.
Gaining and maintaining control of Asthma is essential to reduce the frequency flare-ups, visits to the hospital, and prevent damage to the lungs.
The treatment for asthma involves reducing the chronic inflammation with long-term use of maintenance inhalers that have cortico-steroid in them (Such as Zenhale, Symbicort, Breo … ). You may not notice a difference immediately after taking these medications due to their slow but long duration of effect in the lungs. It is essential to take these regularly.
For Asthma attacks that require immediate relief from symptoms, a rescue inhaler (containing a short-acting bronchodilator) should be taken.
Taking Control of Your Asthma
Used with permission of Covis Pharma Canada Ltd.
For more tools on how to control your asthma, including an app to help you track your symptoms visit: https://learnaboutasthma.ca/.
Is your asthma under control?
- Have you had a few recent exacerbations that required prednisone?
- Do you rely on your rescue inhaler to control your symptoms?
- Is your asthma preventing you from doing things you want to do?
- Does your asthma wake you up in the middle of the night?
- Are you coughing or wheezing more?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, your asthma probably isn’t controlled.
Biological Injections for Severe asthma
Within the last 10 years a number of biological medications have become available to help bring control to certain types of severe asthma. They are administered subcutaneously every few weeks to months.
NUCALA (Mepolizumab ) Injection
NUCALA is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, in combination with other asthma medications.
FASENRA ( Benralizumab ) Injection
FASENRA is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma or oral
corticosteroid-dependent asthma, in combination with other asthma medications.
Dupixent ( Dupilumab ) Inject
Dupixent is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, in combination with other asthma medications.
XOLAIR ( Omalizumab ) Injection
XOLAIR is used to treat moderate to severe allergic asthma, in combination with other asthma medications.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production.
Learn more about COPD including tips, activities, nutrition and more below!
IPF - Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a type of lung disease that affects the interstitium of the lung (the space between the air sacs in the lung). There are many different types of pulmonary fibrosis, with different etiologies, treatments, and prognoses. In patients with PF, the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, and over time may become more widespread. In some cases a cause for the PF will be suspected such as environmental exposures, medications, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis.
However, in Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) the cause is uncertain or unknown and as such is termed idiopathic. At this time there are two drugs available to manage this condition on the market:
While the ways PF is managed varies on a case to case basis, the goal of any treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and to manage the symptoms that arise.
While there are drugs on the market that try to slow progression, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet.