What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to excess mucus production and restricted airflow. Common asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Cold-like symptoms that linger
When allergens are present—such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander—the immune system can overreact, increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms. This is especially common in allergic asthma, which often intensifies during spring allergy season.
When Is Asthma Considered Severe?
According to the American Lung Association, approximately 5–10% of people with asthma in the U.S. have severe asthma. Severe asthma is not defined by how often symptoms occur alone—it is identified when symptoms persist despite maximum standard treatment.
A patient may be considered to have severe asthma if they:
- Use oral corticosteroids or the highest dose of inhaled corticosteroids
- Use additional controller medications
- Continue to experience symptoms or flare-up despite treatment
There are three primary types of severe asthma:
- Eosinophilic asthma (EA)
- Allergic asthma
- Non-eosinophilic asthma
Patients with severe asthma often require specialized care and advanced therapies to better control inflammation and reduce exacerbations.
Diagnosing Asthma Accurately
Because asthma severity and triggers vary, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Pulmonologists and allergists may use several tests, including:
- Spirometry, which measures airflow and lung capacity
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing, which identifies airway inflammation
- Peak flow measurements to monitor breathing changes over time
- Allergy testing to identify specific triggers
- Imaging, such as chest X-rays or CT scans
These tests help providers understand the type of asthma a patient has and determine the most effective treatment approach.
How Severe Asthma Treatments Work
Asthma medications work by interrupting the immune responses responsible for inflammation and symptoms. While many patients manage asthma well with inhalers and oral medications, others benefit from biologic therapies designed to target specific immune pathways.
For example, allergens can cause the immune system to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that triggers allergic reactions. Certain biologic therapies work by preventing IgE or other inflammatory cells from activating, which can reduce symptoms, lower flare frequency, and in some cases lead to long-term improvement.
Severe Asthma Treatments Administered at IVX Health
IVX Health supports patients receiving infusion or injection therapies for severe asthma, including:
These therapies are typically administered through IV infusion or subcutaneous injection based on a patient’s treatment plan.
What to Expect During Infusion or Injection Therapy at IVX Health
At IVX Health, asthma treatments are delivered in a comfortable, patient-centered setting.
For infusion therapy, patients are escorted to a private suite where treatment typically lasts around 30 minutes. Clinical staff monitor patients throughout the infusion to ensure safety and address any reactions promptly.
Subcutaneous injections may be administered in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh, with injection sites rotated at each visit. Patients may remain briefly after treatment for observation.
We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.
At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.
Breathing Easier During Allergy Season
Allergy season can place added strain on people living with asthma, particularly those with moderate to severe disease. Spring is an ideal time to review symptoms, assess asthma control, and discuss whether advanced therapies may be appropriate.
At IVX Health, we’re committed to supporting patients who require infusion or injection therapy as part of their asthma management. This allergy season, the right care can help patients move forward with greater control, confidence, and the ability to breathe easier – one season at a time.
