Breaking Barriers in Brazil in
SEVERE ASTHMA: Time to Act

Asthma has a broad range frequency and severity. This condition can be classified into four main categories: (1) intermittent, (2) mild persistent, (3) moderate persistent and (4) severe persistent. Severe persistent asthma is often uncontrolled and has many different symptoms including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing that are continual, frequent nighttime symptoms, lung function test FEV1 60% or less of normal values, and peak flow more than 30% variability. Uncontrolled severe asthma is diagnosed when high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and a second controller, usually an additional corticosteroid, is required. Asthma may still remain uncontrolled despite therapy. Patients diagnosed with asthma are more susceptible to influenza and pneumonia. This population is also commonly diagnosed with allergies, which can aggravate the already existing condition. With the high prevalence and common comorbidities, it is clear that asthma proposes heavy burden on health systems and individuals globally.

In November 2019, AHF convened a meeting of Brazilian experts on severe asthma in Brazil to develop recommendations for improving awareness, treatment and management of severe asthma. The resulting article, "Breaking Barriers in Brazil in Severe Asthma: Time to Act," has been published in Chronic Respiratory Diseases Journal. Please click here to read the full article.”