Daily use of maintenance inhalers results in better asthma control

"These new pieces of evidence simply tell us that the daily usage of ICS treatments can in fact treat both the immediate symptoms of asthma, while also providing long-term control for the condition. Asthma shouldn’t just be treated as a condition that happens occasionally. It's better to follow a consistent plan that involves daily asthma treatment, to address evident and underlying symptoms and ultimately decrease the number and severity of asthma attacks over time.” ~Dr. Gyneth Lourdes Bibera, Country Medical Director of GSK Philippines

Portrait of 20s young Asian woman having difficulty breathing in bedroom at night

Daily use of maintenance inhalers results in better asthma control. In patients with a one-year history of exacerbations, ~92% of those treated daily regimen of ICS/LABA did not exacerbate during the treatment period, study finds.

It is not always enough to treat asthma attacks when they occur to manage the patient's condition. However, the reality is that asthmatics frequently overestimate their diagnosis and do not receive the necessary long-term care. Despite 41.3% of asthmatics reporting shortness of breath at least three times a week and 57.8% requiring relief inhalers at least twice a week, research shows that 6 out of 10 asthmatics believe their condition is under control.

As a result, complications may become more likely. Sleep disturbances, tiredness, poor concentration, and airway inflammation can all occur in asthma patients who are not receiving adequate treatment. There is also the possibility of requiring hospitalization or emergency care for treatment. Additionally, asthma can cause death in the worst cases.

Asthma is a chronic condition that necessitates medication that not only manages the patient's condition to a sufficient degree to enhance their quality of life but also relieves the patient's current symptoms. The most common asthma medications are listed here, as well as new evidence indicating that daily treatments are more effective for short- and long-term asthma management.

Woman Sneezing While Cuddle Her Cat on Sofa.

Asthma Relievers versus Controllers

The first medication type that asthma patients typically take is called a reliever. These fast-acting medications relax tightened airway muscles and open them up, alleviating acute signs of asthma. Relievers help when a patient suffers an asthma attack, but may also be used as a preventive measure in some instances. For example, a reliever may be used prior to physical exercise to prevent asthma attacks. 

On the other hand, controllers are medications meant to reduce the inflammation in the lungs, therefore preventing asthma symptoms over time. These usually contain steroids. Unlike relievers which are used as needed for short-term symptom relief,  controllers are usually taken on a daily basis - even when patients are not experiencing any acute asthma symptoms. 

The Effectivity of Daily Asthma Treatments

A recent study by Professor Dave Singh looked into the efficacy of proactive treatments via inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or maintenance inhalers. Singh’s study revealed that higher doses of ICS treatment and higher adherence to treatment schedule generally provided the best protection for most forms of asthma. 

Supporting this is a post-hoc analysis of data from a GSK-sponsored AUSTRI study which finds that in patients with a one-year history of exacerbations, ~92% of those treated with a daily regimen of ICS/LABA did not exacerbate during the treatment period.

Additionally, this same study also showed that this specific approach to daily treatment was able to reduce asthma attacks by 21.8%.  Patients treated with daily usage of ICS-LABA witnessed fewer asthma exacerbations compared to those treated with ICS alone. 

NP-PH-FPS-PRSR-220003 | November 2022

A health service message brought to you by GSK

For further information, please consult your doctor.

For Philippine audience only

Adverse events, please email: ph.safety@gsk.com

Product complaints, email us: PHLOC_Complaints@gsk.com

Or contact 0917 889 7050

 

©2022 group of companies or its licensor.

GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc.

23rd Floor, The Finance Center, 26th Street corner 9th avenue

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, 1634