Asthma Phenotypes: Understanding Personalised Treatment Approaches

Asthma is a common but complex condition that affects millions of people in the UK. While many assume asthma is a single disease, it actually consists of different subtypes known as asthma phenotypes. Understanding these phenotypes allows for more personalised asthma treatment, improving symptom management and quality of life for patients.

What Are Asthma Phenotypes?

Asthma phenotypes are specific subtypes of asthma distinguished by underlying causes, symptoms, and responses to treatment. Identifying a person’s asthma phenotype is crucial for determining the most effective asthma management strategy. While asthma is broadly defined by inflammation and airway obstruction, the triggers and severity vary widely among individuals.

Common Types of Asthma

There are several asthma subtypes, each with unique characteristics and treatment considerations:

Allergic Asthma

This is the most common type of asthma and is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould. Symptoms typically develop during childhood and are often accompanied by other allergic conditions like hay fever and eczema.

Treatment Approach: Inhaled corticosteroids, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like montelukast are commonly prescribed.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Unlike allergic asthma, this type is not triggered by allergens. Instead, it can be provoked by irritants such as smoke, air pollution, strong odours, or respiratory infections. It often develops in adulthood and can be more difficult to manage.

Treatment Approach: Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are commonly used, along with lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers.

Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)

Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), this phenotype is characterised by airway narrowing during or after physical activity. Cold air, dry air, and high-intensity exercise can exacerbate symptoms.

Treatment Approach: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like salbutamol (Ventolin) are used before exercise to prevent symptoms.

Occupational Asthma

This type of asthma is triggered by exposure to workplace irritants such as chemicals, dust, fumes, and mould. It often affects people working in industries like construction, healthcare, and farming.

Treatment Approach: Avoiding exposure to workplace triggers, using protective equipment, and prescribed asthma medication can help manage symptoms.

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)

This rare phenotype is associated with asthma, nasal polyps, and a sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Treatment Approach: Avoiding NSAIDs and using corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists for symptom control.

Severe Asthma

Severe asthma is a form of asthma that does not respond well to standard treatment. People with severe asthma may require high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and additional medications, such as biologic therapies.

Treatment Approach: Biologic therapies like mepolizumab, reslizumab, and omalizumab target specific inflammatory pathways to control symptoms.

Personalised Asthma Treatment Approaches

With the recognition of different asthma subtypes, a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective. Instead, personalised asthma treatment considers the patient’s phenotype, triggers, and response to medication.

Identifying Triggers

Determining what exacerbates symptoms is essential. Allergy testing, lung function tests, and monitoring symptom patterns help identify triggers and guide treatment.

Choosing the Right Medication

Asthma medication varies depending on phenotype and severity. The main categories of asthma treatment include:

• Reliever Inhalers (Short-Acting Beta-Agonists - SABAs): Used for quick relief during asthma attacks.
• Preventer Inhalers (Inhaled Corticosteroids - ICS): Reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms.
• Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): Used in combination with corticosteroids for long-term control.
• Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs): Help manage inflammation, particularly in allergic and aspirin-exacerbated asthma.
• Biologic Therapies: Target specific immune pathways for severe asthma.

Using Spacers for Better Medication Delivery

Spacers help improve the effectiveness of inhalers by ensuring medication reaches the lungs rather than being lost in the mouth or throat.

Asthma Medications Available at Pharmacy Planet

For those looking to manage their asthma effectively, various inhalers and medications are available online at Pharmacy Planet. Some options include:

• AeroChamber: Spacers are empty tubes, usually made from plastic, that slot onto the mouthpiece of an inhaler, helping to improve medication delivery.
• Airflusal Forspiro: AirFluSal Forspiro is an inhaler that contains two active ingredients, salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, which help open airways and reduce inflammation.
• Airflusal MDI Inhaler: Airflusal contains salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, which work together to manage asthma symptoms effectively.
• Airomir Autohaler: Airomir is a fast-acting inhaler containing salbutamol, which provides quick relief from asthma symptoms.
• Alvesco Inhaler: Alvesco (Ciclesonide) is a corticosteroid inhaler that prevents inflammation in the airways, reducing asthma symptoms.
• Asmanex Inhaler: Asmanex Twisthaler is used for long-term asthma control in adults and adolescents.

Managing Asthma Effectively

Managing asthma goes beyond just taking medication. It requires a proactive approach involving lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, and routine check-ups with healthcare professionals. Here are essential strategies for effective asthma management:

• Follow Your Treatment Plan: Take prescribed medication consistently to keep symptoms under control and prevent flare-ups.
• Monitor Symptoms: Track your symptoms regularly to identify patterns and detect worsening asthma early, allowing for timely treatment adjustments.
• Avoid Triggers: Identify and minimise exposure to allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander to prevent asthma attacks.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves lung health, but those with exercise-induced asthma should take precautions, such as using a reliever inhaler before workouts.
• Stop Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of medication. Quitting smoking significantly improves lung function.
• Have an Asthma Action Plan: Work with your GP to develop a personalised asthma management plan outlining medication use, symptom monitoring, and steps to take during an asthma attack.

Take Control of Your Asthma Today!

Understanding your asthma phenotype is the first step towards effective management. With personalised asthma treatment, appropriate medication, and lifestyle changes, you can keep symptoms under control and improve your quality of life.

If you need asthma medication, you can conveniently order it online from Pharmacy Planet. Browse a wide range of asthma treatment options and get them delivered to your door hassle-free.

Take control of your asthma today – explore our range of inhalers and medication to find the right treatment for you!