World Asthma Day: There's a SMART Therapy. Know its benefits, risks and more

For millions of people living with asthma, the constant struggle with wheezing and shortness of breath can significantly impact daily activities. Fortunately, inhalers have become the cornerstone of effective asthma management, delivering medication directly to the lungs for targeted relief.

However, managing multiple inhalers can be challenging and lead to confusion. Single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) offers a promising solution: streamlining asthma management through a single inhaler that combines both long-term control and quick-relief medication. This innovative approach has the potential to empower patients and improve their overall breathing health.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma, a chronic lung condition, is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to a combination of symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be triggered by allergens like dust or pollen, irritants like smoke, or even exercise.

The exact cause of asthma remains under investigation, but genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Asthma is a global health concern, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. In India, asthma prevalence is particularly high, with an estimated 6% of children and 2% of adults grappling with this chronic respiratory condition.

Fortunately, effective treatment options exist to help manage asthma and allow individuals to breathe easier. Traditional treatment approaches often involve a combination of medications, with inhalers playing a central role in delivering these medications directly to the lungs for targeted relief.

The Essence of SMART

SMART approach uses a single inhaler combining two key players in asthma management:

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

Inhaled corticosteroids serve as the cornerstone of asthma management. These medications help reducing inflammation in the airways, preventing flare-ups and enhancing overall lung function. Consequently, breathing becomes significantly easier for individuals with asthma.

Long-acting Beta2-agonists (LABA)

Long-acting beta2-agonists function as the emergency responders during an asthma attack. They act rapidly, within minutes, to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. This helps reducing chest tightness, allowing individuals to breathe better.

Benefits Beyond Convenience

While the single-inhaler approach offers undeniable convenience, the benefits of SMART therapy extend far beyond:

• Managing multiple inhalers can be confusing, leading to missed doses or medication mix-ups. SMART therapy streamlines the routine, potentially boosting adherence – a crucial factor in effective asthma control.

• SMART therapy often employs a lower dose of ICS compared to traditional controller medications. This translates to a potentially reduced risk of side effects associated with long-term steroid use.

• Studies suggest that SMART therapy can be as effective, or even more effective, in preventing asthma attacks compared to conventional treatment.

• By improving asthma control and potentially reducing the frequency of attacks, SMART therapy may lead to fewer hospital visits and emergency room trips, freeing up valuable time and resources.

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

While SMART therapy offers exciting possibilities, it’s important to recognize that it’s not a universal solution. It’s generally considered most suitable for individuals with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Recognizing asthma management as a collaborative effort, your doctor becomes a key partner in navigating the best approach for you. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you might have about SMART therapy. Your doctor can address these worries, and also also work closely with you to find the perfect balance for optimal control. The specific medication dosage within the SMART inhaler will be carefully calibrated based on the severity of your asthma, ensuring your airways remain healthy and functioning well.

Working closely with your doctor to develop a comprehensive asthma management plan that incorporates SMART therapy (if appropriate), along with lifestyle modifications and proper inhaler technique, is key to achieving optimal lung health and living a healthy life.

The author is Consultant, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.