Why is it important to understand the experience of those living with severe asthma?

Dr. Deniz: People with severe asthma are their own experts in knowing the ins and outs of what it means to live with their disease. One important goal for us as medical leaders, is to try to be “the bridge”; to listen carefully to their experiences so that we can search for more meaningful solutions to address unmet needs and have a real-life impact. That’s why it’s important to regularly engage with patient advocacy organizations and involve patients in different aspects of research and development.

How are people living with asthma getting involved in research today?

Dr. Rowe: As Yamo shared, relationships with the patient community are critical, and we do a lot of work together. The way we capture this knowledge varies across our company. For example, we might host a workshop with patient advocacy groups and people with severe asthma to have in-depth conversations on topics like ‘what does asthma control really mean to you.’ We incorporate this perspective into our research, such as the design of studies to ensure they are set up to answer the right questions.

Dr. Deniz: We recognize that the number of patients who are involved in this kind of research is relatively limited. And unfortunately, it’s often the groups of patients who are most in need of new ways to manage their disease who are least represented in research across the healthcare industry. One way in which we are trying to move the needle in this area is by looking more closely at specific settings – for example, patients in inner-city populations – so we can better understand their unique needs and challenges.

How do you make sure that education is a two-way street? What are you doing to help patients better understand their disease?

Dr. Rowe: Disease education is really important since the more people understand their disease, the more they can feel empowered to take an active role in advocating for their own needs and care.

An example that comes to mind is the association between asthma and another disease called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), which can both result from underlying type 2 inflammation. Up to 43% of people with severe asthma also live with the symptoms of nasal polyps,¹ which are teardrop-shared growths in the sinuses and nose.^2,3 Because of the underlying inflammation and some overlap in symptoms, careful diagnosis and management of both conditions is important.^3,4,5,6

In our conversations with the asthma community, we’ve learned so much about the daily challenges faced by people living with severe asthma – and by those living with asthma and another coexisting disease. Along with applying those learnings to our research efforts, we work to share them back with the community by educating about asthma science and connections with other diseases. By developing a deeper understanding of the science behind their disease, we can help people see their asthma in a different light and feel more empowered and understood.

What advice would you give somebody who lives with asthma and is reading this?

Dr. Rowe: Learn as much as you can about your asthma. This could mean going online to research, setting up an appointment with a respiratory doctor to ask new questions, or reaching out to asthma patient groups who may be able to connect you with educational resources and opportunities to get involved in research like those discussed above.

Dr. Deniz: I agree, and I would also add that you should feel comfortable advocating for yourself. I have spoken with a lot of patients who have signs of severe asthma but don’t have a respiratory specialist as their primary asthma care provider. Patients should feel comfortable talking with their doctor about the management of their disease, including whether seeing a specialist makes sense.

As a starting point, you can find resources to help you learn more about severe asthma and start new conversations in our I Have Asthma hub.