Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world—but also one of the most underestimated. As a clinical research coordinator, particularly in severe asthma trials, I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous this mindset can be.
Many patients with asthma end up in the hospital multiple times a year, requiring more than just inhalers or breathing treatments. When symptoms don’t improve, they often need systemic steroids to reduce inflammation. While these medications can be life-saving, repeated use comes with serious risks.
Systemic steroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections such as pneumonia, fungal infections, and shingles. Long-term use can also lead to complications like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, adrenal suppression, mood changes, and even episodes of psychosis.
Asthma Requires Daily Attention
If you have asthma, it’s essential to understand that it’s a chronic condition—even if your symptoms only appear occasionally. Many people assume they’re “fine” because they only wheeze once in a while, or because they've gotten used to living with symptoms like nighttime coughing, shortness of breath, or relying frequently on their rescue inhaler.
But just because a certain level of discomfort has become your "normal" doesn’t mean your asthma is under control.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that asthma only needs treatment when it's flaring up. In reality, daily management is key. That includes using your daily controller inhaler exactly as prescribed. A rescue inhaler is meant to relieve acute symptoms. A controller (daily) inhaler is intended to keep your airways stable and prevent those symptoms from occurring in the first place.
You should never stop taking your daily inhaler just because you feel better—only your healthcare provider can determine when it's safe to discontinue it.
What I See in Clinical Trials
When patients enroll in severe asthma clinical trials, one of the first assessments we perform is a pulmonary function test to measure lung capacity. This test requires participants to exhale forcefully and inhale deeply—sometimes to the point of exhaustion, especially for those with poorly controlled asthma. Many describe it as feeling like they’re drowning and trying to catch their breath.
As research professionals, this is one of the hardest parts to witness—watching patients struggle simply to breathe. But these assessments are necessary. If a patient meets the required lung function criteria, we can offer investigational treatments, such as biologics or new inhalers, that may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of their asthma attacks. That is always our goal: to help patients live better, safer lives.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
Asthma is manageable—but only when it’s treated with the seriousness it deserves. Don’t wait for a crisis to start following your doctor’s instructions. Every skipped dose, ignored symptom, or postponed check-up adds to the risk.
The most dangerous thing about asthma is how unpredictable it can be. It often starts with something subtle, like mild chest tightness, and can quickly escalate. In many of the cases I’ve seen, patients ended up in the emergency room because they underestimated their symptoms. And nearly every time, they thought they were doing "well enough."
But asthma control is not about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about being able to breathe without effort, sleep through the night, and participate in daily life without limitation.
Final Thoughts
If you live with asthma, please don’t minimize what you’re experiencing. Talk openly with your provider. Follow your asthma action plan. Use your inhalers as prescribed—both daily and as-needed.
Asthma may be common, but that doesn’t make it harmless. You deserve to breathe easily, and it starts with taking your condition seriously.
Photo by CNordic Nordic on Unsplash
