Consequences of severe asthma exacerbations
William W. Busse
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma exacerbations are major factors in asthma morbidity and also have long-term consequences. RECENT FINDINGS: Asthma is characterized by an accelerated and progressive loss of lung function. Recent evidence has pointed to the frequency of exacerbations as being a significant contributor to a loss of lung function in asthma. SUMMARY: A consequence of asthma exacerbations is a greater loss of lung function. Airway inflammation is central to asthma severity and susceptibility for exacerbations. Evidence suggests that the increase in airway inflammation during an asthma exacerbation further compromised lung function. Treatment of severe asthma with Type (T)-2 directed biologics significantly prevents the frequency of exacerbations in severe asthma. Early indications also suggest that prevention of exacerbations by biologics may reduce a loss in lung function from exacerbations.