Infusion Therapy for Asthma in North Baltimore, MD

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, we offer expert infusion therapy services for a variety of conditions, including asthma. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans. Infusion therapy, involving the direct administration of medications into a vein, is particularly beneficial for asthma management. This method is especially effective for medications that can’t be taken orally or need a controlled dispensing pace. It can also be combined with other asthma treatments, providing a multi-faceted approach to managing the symptoms associated with asthma.

Inhaled corticosteroids, a primary treatment for asthma, work to reduce inflammation in the airways. When paired with infusion therapy, such as the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting specific immune pathways, we can further suppress inflammation and improve asthma control. Bronchodilators, which relax airway muscles, can also be integrated with infusion therapy for long-term inflammation control and instant airway constriction relief.

Oral medications, including leukotriene modifiers and long-acting beta-agonists, can also be used alongside infusion therapy. This combination can enhance symptom control, reduce exacerbation frequency, and make other asthma medications more effective.

However, combining infusion therapy with other treatments should be done under a healthcare provider’s guidance. We consider factors such as asthma severity, overall health, response to current treatments, and other medications before determining the right treatment plan for each patient.

While combining therapies can enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient quality of life, potential risks such as allergic reactions or medication interactions must be considered. Therefore, we make such decisions on a case-by-case basis, weighing potential benefits and risks. We closely monitor each patient’s response to their treatment plan and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal asthma symptom management.

Our goal is to optimize asthma management, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of life through our expert infusion therapy services.

We are committed to providing groundbreaking treatment methods for severe cases of asthma. One such method is asthma infusion therapy, also known as biologic therapy. Spearheaded by our experienced medical professional, this treatment involves administering medications directly into the airways through a nebulizer or inhaler. The therapy works by targeting the specific molecules that cause inflammation in the airways.

To be considered a candidate for asthma infusion therapy, several factors need to be evaluated.

We will classify your asthma as severe if you experience symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, as well as shortness of breath or chest tightness, multiple times a week, or if these symptoms frequently interfere with your daily activities or sleep. Your asthma must be persistent and characterized by frequent exacerbations.

If your asthma is not well controlled by traditional medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, you could be a potential candidate for this therapy. This could mean that you frequently rely on a rescue inhaler or oral corticosteroids, or that you have been hospitalized or visited the emergency room due to asthma attacks.

We will need to determine that your severe asthma is due to specific types of inflammation that can be targeted by biological therapy. These include eosinophilic asthma, which is caused by high levels of eosinophils and is triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites. Your asthma may also be triggered by irritants that are difficult to avoid or manage effectively, including environmental pollutants or exercise.

Certain medical conditions, such as nasal polyps, allergies, or chronic sinusitis, may contribute to asthma severity and make you more likely to benefit from infusion therapy.

Additional Considerations:

• Your age, overall health, and lung function will influence the appropriateness of infusion therapy.
• You must be able to tolerate the side effects of infused medications, which may include coughing, wheezing, nausea, and headache.
• You should commit to regular treatment, as asthma infusion therapy typically involves receiving injections every two to four weeks for an extended period.
• You should have a dedicated caregiver or family member who can assist with the administration of infusion therapy.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, the safety and well-being of our patients undergoing asthma infusion therapy is our top priority. If you experience any symptoms that may be associated with an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or nausea, it is crucial to halt the infusion immediately and seek medical help.

While awaiting medical assistance, remove yourself from the area of the infusion, loosen any restrictive clothing or jewelry, and use your prescribed inhaler or nebulizer if necessary. Dial 911, or your relevant local medical emergency option, and inform the medical personnel about the infusion you received and the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you have been prescribed an auto-injector for severe allergic reactions, use it as directed.

In such an event, it’s vital to inform your healthcare provider about the allergic reaction. After stabilizing your condition, we will evaluate your reaction to determine the cause and decide if you should continue with the same medication or require an alternative.

If necessary, we may refer you to an allergist for further testing to confirm the allergy and to identify any other potential allergens.

In addition to these medical interventions, it’s essential to manage your allergies at home, avoid known allergens, and always have your prescribed medications on hand. Always communicate about your allergies to any new healthcare provider, including dentists and specialists. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is also advisable in case of emergencies.

Remember, your health and safety should always be your top priority. Don’t hesitate to seek help and advice from our team at Jean Walter Infusion Center. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3333 N. Calvert St, Suite 540A, Baltimore, MD 21218. We serve clients from North Baltimore MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ferndale MD, Yorktown MD, and surrounding areas.