Spring Allergies and Asthma: When Is It Time to Talk to Your Doctor About Biologic Therapy?

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and longer days, but for many people with asthma, it can also mean more symptoms and less control.

If your breathing feels worse this time of year, seasonal allergens like pollen may be playing a role. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you decide when it’s time to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

What to Know

• Spring allergens like pollen can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms
• Occasional flare-ups are expected, but frequent symptoms may signal poor symptom control
• Signs of uncontrolled asthma include frequent inhaler use, nighttime symptoms, or activity limitations
• If standard treatments like inhaled corticosteroids and standard treatments aren’t working, biologic therapy may be an option for some patients
• A simple conversation with your provider can help determine if your treatment plan is still working for you

Why Spring Allergies Can Make Asthma Worse

During spring, pollen levels rise as trees, grasses, and weeds release allergens into the air. When you breathe these in, your immune system may react by causing inflammation in your airways.

For people with asthma, this can lead to:

• More frequent coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Increased reliance on a rescue inhaler

This connection between allergies and asthma is common and is often referred to as allergic asthma. Even if your symptoms are usually well controlled, seasonal triggers can make them harder to manage.

Occasional Flare-Up or a Sign Your Asthma Isn’t Controlled?

It’s normal to have the occasional flare-up. But if symptoms become more frequent or start interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be.

You may want to check in with your doctor if you notice:

• Symptoms more than twice a week
• Waking up at night due to asthma
• Using your rescue inhaler more often than usual
• Avoiding activities because of breathing issues

If your symptoms linger, worsen, or don’t improve with your current medications, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Biologic Therapy

If you have moderate to severe asthma and your symptoms are not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids or other medications, your doctor may discuss biologic therapy as a possible next step.

Biologic therapies work differently from traditional asthma medications. Asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are often driven by airway inflammation, which can cause the airways to swell, narrow, and become more sensitive to triggers. Instead of treating symptoms broadly, biologics target specific parts of the immune system that cause this inflammation.

Biologics may be considered for patients who:

• Experience frequent asthma flare-ups
• Continue to have symptoms despite regular treatment
• Have certain underlying markers of inflammation or allergies, such as blood eosinophils or allergy-related markers

For the right patient, biologics may help reduce flare-ups, improve symptom control, and decrease the need for oral steroids.

Biologic therapy is not right for everyone. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and test results to determine whether it may be an appropriate option for you. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an allergist or pulmonologist, to see if biologic treatment is a good fit.

Taking the Next Step

If spring allergies are making your asthma harder to manage, it may be worth taking a closer look at how well your current plan is working.

Ask yourself:

• Am I using my rescue inhaler more than usual?
• Are my symptoms affecting my sleep or daily routine?
• Do I feel like my asthma is harder to control this season?

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to revisit your current treatment plan. A conversation with your healthcare provider can help you understand your options and decide whether any adjustments, including biologic therapy, may be right for you.

FAQ

Can seasonal allergies make asthma worse?

Yes. Allergens like pollen can trigger inflammation in your airways, leading to increased asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

How do I know if my asthma is poorly controlled?

Common signs of uncontrolled asthma include frequent symptoms, nighttime awakenings, increased use of a rescue inhaler, and limitations in daily activities.

What is biologic therapy for asthma?

Biologic therapy is a targeted treatment that focuses on specific immune pathways that cause inflammation in some types of asthma.

Are biologics a cure for asthma?

No. Biologics do not cure asthma, but they may help improve symptom control and reduce flare-ups in certain patients.

When should I consider biologic therapy for asthma?

If your asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent, more severe, or harder to manage with your current treatment, it’s a good time to check in with your provider and discuss if biologic therapy is appropriate.