Infusion Therapy for Asthma in Columbia, MD

Medication is injected straight into the bloodstream during an infusion therapy procedure. Although it’s not a typical asthma treatment, there are several circumstances in which it might be taken into account. For instance, infusion therapy may be used to administer high doses of corticosteroids or other drugs in cases of severe asthma episodes that are not responding to conventional therapies. To find out if infusion therapy is suitable for managing your asthma, speak with Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD at Jean Walter Infusion Center. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5500 Knoll North Dr, Suite 250A, Columbia, MD 21045.

Infusion Therapy for Asthma Near Me in Columbia, MD

Medication is injected straight into the bloodstream during an infusion therapy procedure. Although it's not a typical asthma treatment, there are several circumstances in which it might be taken into account. For instance, infusion therapy may be used to administer high doses of corticosteroids or other drugs in cases of severe asthma episodes that are not responding to conventional therapies. To find out if infusion therapy is suitable for managing your asthma, speak with Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD at Jean Walter Infusion Center. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5500 Knoll North Dr, Suite 250A, Columbia, MD 21045.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we offer specialized services, including asthma infusion therapy. This process involves the administration of medication directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line to help manage severe asthma symptoms.

In preparation for the asthma infusion therapy session, our healthcare professionals will review the patient’s medical history, medications, as well as presenting symptoms. We ensure that we explain the procedure clearly and answer all your questions before the therapy. We prioritize patient comfort; therefore, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and sit comfortably in a chair during the treatment.

Our qualified medical staff, consisting of doctors and nurses, will ensure the IV insertion process is as painless as possible. The asthma medication, usually biologic therapy, is then infused through the IV line.

Throughout the infusion, we continuously monitor your vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels, to ensure your safety. In case of any significant side effects, we may stop or slow down the infusion.

Once the infusion is complete, our healthcare team will remove the IV line and observe you to ensure there are no delayed reactions to the medication. We will provide you with comprehensive instructions regarding any follow-up appointments or medication changes.

Although some patients may experience immediate improvement in their asthma symptoms, it may take weeks or months before the full extent of the infusion treatment takes effect. The Jean Walter Infusion Center typically schedules sessions every four to eight weeks and providers will work with each individual to decide the total quantity of sessions that is suitable for their needs.

Can asthma infusion therapy replace my inhaler?

Asthma is a type of chronic respiratory condition that is characterized by recurring and ongoing episodes of wheezing or coughing. It can also present alongside chest tightness and shortness of breath and is traditionally treated with inhalers that operate by delivering medication directly into the lungs. However, for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma, Dr. Nasser Nasseri at the Jean Walter Infusion Center is offering a relatively new treatment method, known as asthma infusion therapy, which may serve as an alternative or complementary option.

At Jean Walter Infusion, we administer asthma infusion therapy, which involves administering medication intravenously (IV) through a vein in your arm or a port in your chest. The medication used in infusion therapy is omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets a specific protein in the body called IgE. This protein plays a role in the allergic response, and when omalizumab binds to it, it can block its ability to trigger asthma symptoms.

Infusion therapy can offer better and more sustained control of asthma symptoms. Patients receiving omalizumab under Dr. Nasser Nasseri’s care have reported reduced frequency and severity of asthma attacks. This therapy can lessen the need for rescue inhalers and other asthma medications, particularly for patients who experience frequent or severe asthma attacks. By alleviating asthma symptoms, infusion therapy can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. This may lead to reduced anxiety, better sleep, and increased physical capabilities.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that asthma infusion therapy is not a replacement for an inhaler. The inhaler remains a vital tool for managing daily symptoms and preventing or treating minor asthma attacks. Infusion therapy is only typically used for severe cases of asthma that aren’t effectively controlled by inhalers and other medications.

Infusion therapy is not suitable for every asthma patient. It is typically recommended for those with severe or uncontrolled asthma who haven’t responded adequately to traditional inhaler therapy. Our healthcare team led by Dr. Nasser Nasseri will help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and circumstances.

At Jean Walter Infusion, infusion therapy is administered every 2 to 4 weeks. The frequency of infusions depends on the individual patient’s response to the medication.

While infusion therapy can be effective, it also comes with its own set of potential side effects, such as reactions at the infusion site (pain, redness, swelling), headaches, fatigue, and nausea. There is also a potential for an allergic reaction to the medication and the inconvenience of having to go to a healthcare facility for treatment.

How long does it take to see results from an asthma infusion therapy?

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, our highly qualified team, including Dr. Nasser Nasseri, specializes in providing advanced treatment options such as asthma infusion therapies, also known as biologics. These therapies are typically used to treat severe asthma by targeting specific cells as well as proteins in the body to help reduce inflammation in the airways.

Recognizing that response to treatment varies greatly between individuals, we work closely with our patients to track progress. Factors such as the severity of the asthma, the type of biologic used, and the patient’s overall health status can all influence the timeline for noticeable improvement. While some patients may see changes in a few hours or days, for most, the journey towards improved health can take between several weeks and up to a few months.

At our center, we emphasize that infusion therapies are not a quick fix but an important part of a comprehensive asthma management strategy. This approach should also include the use of controller and rescue medications, regular follow-ups with our healthcare professionals, and lifestyle modifications, including taking care to avoid known asthma triggers.

Dr. Nasseri and our team are dedicated to monitoring your symptoms and lung function closely, ensuring that your treatment is effective and adjusted as necessary. Our commitment to regular follow-up appointments allows us to assess progress and refine your treatment plan. With patience, commitment to the treatment plan, and the support of our experienced team at the Jean Walter Infusion Center, we believe we can help manage your asthma effectively. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5500 Knoll North Dr, Suite 250A, Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia, MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, and surrounding areas.