Asthmatic students enthusiastic about new drug

A new asthma drug described as “life-changing” by Asthma UK, has
been approved for use in severe cases and KU students with the
condition are keen to try it.

The drug, Dupilumab, offers the potential for a better quality of life as it
improves lung function. It works particularly well in patients with type two
inflammation which includes allergic and exercise-induced asthma.

Asthma sufferer Jordan Brancker, who studies MSc Psychiatry, said he
would be “very interested” in trying the drug if it was offered to him.

While Brancker said his symptoms are fairly manageable thanks to his
inhaler, a more effective treatment is desirable: “If I’m having a
particularly bad day with my symptoms, doing something as simple as
walking would make it hard for me to breathe.”

The possibility of “life-changing” effects and eased symptoms have given
Dupilumab much attention, but the drug is currently only being
recommended to patients with the most serious symptoms and those
who have at least 4 severe asthma attacks a year.

Despite his willingness to try the new drug, Brancker is worried about
potential side effects, which include burning dry eyes and eyelid
irritation, redness and swelling.

Real estate management student Ali Hassan shares the same concerns
about the potential side effects of Dupilumab but said that he otherwise
would be excited to try the new asthma treatment.

“My asthma restricts me from doing certain things such as going
clubbing and going to the gym as I’m always out of breath,” said Hassan.

“I find that I’m always forgetting my inhaler as well, so if the new drug
could treat it, I would much rather have that.”

Likewise, KU fine art student Juniper Luxton said they were eager to try
the new drug. 

They described symptoms and said they were mentally
and physically exhausting.“Not being able to walk properly when it’s too cold or hot, waking up in
the night because I can hear my chest wheezing and having unexplained
coughing fits in public in a pandemic.”

Additionally, Luxton’s asthma has become so bad it is taking a toll on
their mental health and daily activities: “I can't go for long walks to clear
my brain. I can’t exercise for long enough to release endorphins. I can’t
go to any social activities where I can’t sit down,” they said.

Ultimately, Luxton said they trust the NHS’s decision to approve
Dupilumab and that they would be willing to try it, in the hopes of finding
a cure for their symptoms.