Understanding Your Needs for Better Asthma Care

A doctor in a white coat sits in an office, smiling and holding a clipboard while talking to a patient who is seated across the desk. The office contains various documents and a cup on the desk.

Real asthma care starts with the people living it. In this study, patients teamed up with researchers as co-authors to pinpoint what actually works in daily life.

At a Glance: Listening to People with Asthma

  • The Goal: Researchers wanted to hear from real people to find out what makes asthma care hard and what they want from new medicines.
  • The Problem: Many patients struggle with the high cost of medicine, side effects, and not knowing the best way to use their inhalers.
  • The Findings: Patients want “all-in-one” treatments that work fast, cost less, and don’t have to be taken every single day.
  • The Action: Involving patients in drug research helps scientists make better tools that fit into your daily life.

Understanding the Patient Co-authored Asthma Study

It is important for drug companies and doctors to work together with the people they treat. For this new study on patient perspectives, Sanofi partnered with the Allergy & Asthma Network. They held online meetings where patients talked about their daily lives with asthma. The researchers also looked at 10 years of other asthma reports to see what has changed for patients over time.

  • Graphic with three people icons and a speech bubble, text reads “We Are Listening. Your voice matters!” and mentions new research improving asthma care when patients and researchers communicate. Allergy & Asthma Network logo at bottom.
  • Graphic titled “Wish List for New Medicine” with a checklist icon and three points: Works Fast, All-in-One, Low Cost. Text reads: Patients want better choices. Allergy & Asthma Network logo at the bottom.
  • A figure climbs blocks labeled “Side Effects,” “Cost,” and “Confusion.” Text: “We are working to remove the hurdles that keep you from feeling your best.” Allergy & Asthma Network logo at the bottom.
  • A graphic shows a person holding a phone near a sun and baseball, with text promoting asthma care using apps to track triggers and medicine reminders. Allergy & Asthma Network logo is at the bottom.
  • Informational graphic titled "Take home points" lists ways to stop the "steroid cycle": track steroid usage, learn the "Two Times" Rule, talk to a specialist, use daily controller inhalers. Allergy & Asthma Network logo at bottom.

What did the Patient’s Perspectives Study find?

The patient panels shared that managing asthma can feel like a full-time job. They pointed out several big “gaps” in care:

  • Cost and Coverage: Many people can’t access the best medicines due to high prices or insurance rules.
  • Inhaler Technique: It is often hard to remember how to use an inhaler, especially during a flare-up.
  • Communication: Patients often feel that researchers don’t always ask what matters  most or what is most important to the person actually living with the asthma.
A blue circle with a yellow border contains a white clipboard icon with four checkboxes and lines, representing a checklist or to-do list.

What This Patient Perspective Study Means for You

  • Use Your Voice: Your experience is valuable. Tell your doctor if a medicine is too expensive or if you are worried about side effects.
  • Ask for Training: Since correct inhaler use is a common struggle, ask your care team for a “check-up” on your technique.
  • Explore Digital Tools: New phone apps can now track factors like the weather, pollen, your mood, and even how well you sleep to help manage your asthma.

Understanding Patient Perspectives in Treatment and Management of Care in Asthma
Hicks A, George MJ, Benjamin M, Lacoste E, Orr HC, Melendez A, Gardner DD.
2025
Patient Prefer Adherence. 19:2353-2361.
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S522436