Management and Research Progress of Severe Asthma in China

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, persisting across the life course and affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. Severe asthma, defined as asthma remaining uncontrolled despite adherence to optimised high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-agonist therapy and management of contributory factors, worsens upon dose reduction. In China, 3.4%-8.3% of patients with asthma have severe asthma, characterised by heterogeneity, frequent exacerbations, and considerable medical and economic burdens. Recent advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis, especially the development of biologics, have enabled new treatment strategies. This review incorporates recent progress from China regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and biologic therapy for severe asthma.