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Home > Putting Health First Amandas Allergic Asthma...

Putting Health First: Amanda's Allergic Asthma Story Posted: October 24, 2018 | Word Count: 1,275

Amanda, a fourth-grade literacy teacher, wife and stepmom from Glenwood, Arkansas is among the 26.5 million people in the U.S. affected by asthma. Approximately 60 percent of adults with asthma have allergic asthma, which is caused by allergens in the air, such as dust mites, pet dander or cockroach debris that can trigger a potential asthma attack. Allergic asthma symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing or tightening of the chest. These symptoms can lead to an asthma attack.

Amanda was often sick as a child. “My mother used to say that I would walk across the floor and experience asthma symptoms,” she said. Her health constantly fluctuated, even after her allergist prescribed multiple medications including inhaled corticosteroids. “I’d get better, and then I’d get symptoms again,” she explained.

In her early 30s, Amanda continued to experience asthma. “I was taking multiple medications a day, and I had to do breathing treatments at home,” she said. “I didn’t want to have to take so much medicine. It seemed like whatever I was taking wasn’t helping enough.”

In 2017, Amanda’s health took a turn for the worse when she experienced a severe asthma attack at work. Following that incident, her allergist diagnosed her with allergic asthma with triggers including cat dander and dust mites.

Since her severe allergic asthma was not well controlled, Amanda’s doctor recommended adding a prescription subcutaneous injectable medicine called XOLAIR® (omalizumab) to help decrease her allergic asthma attacks and symptoms. After doing research, including reading the warnings such as anaphylaxis, a severe, life threatening allergic reaction, she decided with her doctor that this treatment was worth a try.

“I’m just thankful that medicine has come this far. I wish I’d known about it a long time ago,” Amanda said. Since taking XOLAIR, she has seen improvements in her allergic asthma symptoms and is having fewer asthma attacks. Amanda is also aware of and tries her best to avoid her allergic triggers. While XOLAIR worked for Amanda, it may not be right for everyone. She advises others to seek help from a specialist right away. “If your body is telling you something is wrong, go speak with an allergist or pulmonologist.”

Visit Xolair.com for more information about allergic asthma and how it can be treated. Ask your doctor if XOLAIR might be right for you.

Do not receive XOLAIR if you are allergic to omalizumab or any of the ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements.

How should I receive XOLAIR?

The most common side effects of XOLAIR:

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