New Breakthrough Asthma Drug (Xolair) Promises to Help Asthma Sufferers

Just in time for May Awareness Month comes a promising new drug called Xolair to help people who suffer from asthma.

Xolair takes a new tact towards treating asthma in that it blocks immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key underlying cause of allergic asthma.

When someone's asthma attack is triggered, a chemical reaction occurs that produces an excess amount of IgE. This causes breathing problems and asthma attacks. Xolair works to block the increase in IgE.

Even though Xolair has been available for less than five years, it is just now coming to the attention of the general public.

In the best cases Xolair can allow asthma suffers to enjoy the outdoors again.

So who are the natural candidate for Xolair? According to Genentech, the manufacturer, you should "consider" using Xolair if your meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Are 12 years of age and older.
• Suffer asthma symptoms every day.
• Daily need for a rescue inhaler.
• Asthma attacks 2 or more times a week.
• Asthma that occurs while they sleep, causing them to wake up one or more nights a week.
• Have asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air. This is known as allergic asthma, and can only be confirmed by a doctor using a simple skin or blood test.
• Continue to have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids.

Xolair is administered through injections approximately once every four to six weeks. As with any medication, some users will experience side effects, so it is best to have your doctor carefully monitor your reactions to it.

Xolair is relatively expensive and because the drug is so new, not all insurance companies cover it. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that they will cover treatments.

Allergic asthma is a form of the disease that's triggered by allergens in the air. Examples of allergens that can trigger asthma include: cockroaches, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. The NIH estimates that over 50% of people in the U.S. who suffer with asthma, suffer from allergic asthma.

Asthma attack
During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of air to and from the lungs.

Asthma management at high altitudes
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