What is Severe Asthma?

Let’s look at some of the factors doctors consider when diagnosing severe asthma

You may have severe asthma if you’re taking all your asthma medicines Asthma controller medicines, including high-dose inhaled corticosteroid. but still struggling with:

Icon: Poor Symptom Control

Poor symptom control

Such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, frequent use of a rescue inhaler, and waking up at night

Icon: Worsening Asthma

Worsening asthma

A flare-up of your asthma, also called exacerbations or severe asthma attacks, when symptoms don’t improve and you need to add oral steroids

Icon: ER Visits or Hospitalizations

ER visits or hospitalizations

Due to the severity of your asthma attacks

Image: Eosinophil graphic

How eosinophils play a role in asthma

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils [ee-uh-sin-uh-fils] are normal white blood cells in your body. You may have increased levels of eosinophils, which can worsen inflammation in your lungs. Inflammation can cause severe asthma attacks.

Your doctor can give you a simple blood test that measures eosinophil levels to help determine if you have severe eosinophilic asthma.

Once you have an eosinophilic asthma diagnosis, together, you and your doctor will decide if adding a different kind of asthma treatment could help.

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Next steps to take with your doctor

Most severe asthma can be controlled. Tell your doctor about everything you’re doing to manage your asthma.

Also be sure to:

  1. Tell your doctor when your symptoms get worse
  2. Tell your doctor when asthma interferes with your daily activities
  3. Ask for a blood test to see if you have severe eosinophilic asthma
  4. Ask your doctor if NUCALA may be right for you

Tell your doctor about your asthma symptoms and describe how they affect your life. Then, your doctor can help you get the best treatment for your severe asthma.

Download the discussion guide

Did you know?

Repeated asthma attacks and inflammation caused by long-term, uncontrolled asthma can lead to more asthma attacks or exacerbations. 

Why NUCALA?

See what NUCALA can do for you.

Explore the benefits of NUCALA

Talk to your doctor to see if adding NUCALA for your severe asthma is right for you.