Ashley Has Uncontrolled Asthma

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Dialogue

Ashley is in her kitchen. She grabs a glass of water and takes her asthma medicine.

Ashley texts her friend Sarah: “Be down in a sec!”

She shuts her apartment door then heads down the stairs. Her friend Sarah is waiting at the bottom and sees her pause to catch her breath.

Sarah: “Are you okay?”

Ashley: “Yeah. I've just been getting short of breath on these stairs. I hope they fix the elevator soon!”

Ashley pulls an inhaler out of her purse and uses it.

Sarah: “Are you still on that new medication?”

Ashley: “I am, but I’m still feeling symptoms sometimes. I woke up with a little chest tightness and was wheezing last night."

Ashley grabs her phone and dials her doctor’s office.

Sarah: “You should probably get that checked out.”

Ashley: “You’re right. Let me call my pulmonologist real quick before we head to lunch.”

Super: The next day …

Ashley sits in the specialist's office while the doctor reviews her chart and listens to her lungs.

Doctor: “Tell me what’s been going on.”

Ashley: "I take my medication every day, but I'm still using my quick-relief inhaler a few times a week."

The doctor points to a simple poster or tablet showing healthy airways next to inflamed airways (red, narrowed airway). Ashley listens attentively.

Doctor: “Your asthma may still be uncontrolled. One possible reason is excessive type 2 inflammation in your airways. The good news is there are additional options for us to try."

Doctor and Ashley are talking.

Ashley: “So, there are other options?”

Doctor: “Yes, there are! Our goals are fewer flare-ups, less need for oral steroids, better lung function, and a better quality of life.”

Doctor is talking to Ashley, she nods in agreement throughout.

The doctor hands Ashley a brochure titled "Advanced Asthma Treatment Options"

Ashley: “That sounds good. What can we change?”

Doctor: “Do you notice your symptoms are worse around things like pollen, pets, smoke or dust?”

Ashley: “I do think I feel it more when the trees in my neighborhood are in bloom.”

Doctor: "That's helpful. Allergens and environmental triggers can make symptoms worse. We'll work on identifying and managing those triggers, and I'll review your current bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medications to see if any adjustments could help."

Doctor: “We may also consider whether a biologic is right for you to help target the inflammation.”

The doctor writes "well-tolerated exercise" on a notepad for Ashley to take home.

Ashley: “Are there any lifestyle changes that can help?”

Doctor: “Until we get your asthma under control, be sure to do some light exercise. Once it's under control, you can switch to 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, as long as you’re tolerating it well.”

Ashley smiles and waves goodbye to the doctor as she heads out the door.

Ashley: "I'm so glad I came in. I didn't realize there were still options to help get my asthma under control."

For more information, please visit HealthyWomen.org/asthma.

This resource was created with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.