Ep. 173: Busting the Biggest Biologics Myths for COPD, Asthma, and Nasal Polyps
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank AstraZeneca for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
Starting a biologic can feel intimidating, especially if you are worried it means being on medication forever, or wondering if it will actually replace your inhaler or your next sinus surgery. After this episode, we hope your biggest biologics questions are answered.
Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Dr. Giselle Mosnaim, an allergist and immunologist, to walk through the united airway, what uncontrolled disease really means, and the most common questions patients have before starting a biologic.
What we cover in our episode about biologics for asthma, COPD, and nasal polyps
The united airway. Why the nose and lungs share the same lining, and why the same biologics can treat conditions in both.
What a biologic actually is. How it targets one specific part of the immune system instead of suppressing the whole thing like steroids.
What uncontrolled disease means. Why taking your medication as prescribed does not always mean your asthma, COPD, or nasal polyps are under control.
The goal of starting a biologic. What results to expect, how biologics work alongside your inhaler or nasal spray instead of replacing it, and how they can reduce the need for repeat sinus surgery.
Common myths and fears. Answers to real patient worries about weight gain, needles, side effects, pregnancy, and being on a biologic long term.
About our guest
Dr. Giselle Mosnaim is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Endeavor Health in Chicago. She is also a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she focuses her research on biologic treatments for allergy and asthma care.
More resources about air quality and asthma
All you want to know about biologics: biologicmeds.org
More about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
More asthma episodes
Timestamps
Our episode about biologics for chronic lung diseases
01:14 Dr. Mosnaim intro
02:17 Asthma, COPD, and CRSwNP connection
03:01 What is a biologic
05:47 What is uncontrolled disease
09:50 Is uncontrolled disease severe disease
12:12 The goal of being on a biologic
13:29 Will a biologic weaken my immune system
14:06 Am I on this forever
20:03 Is this too new or experimental
21:15 Will it replace my inhaler or mean I never need surgery again
22:11 Will my inhaler dose stay the same
24:05 Will I gain weight or have visible side effects
25:01 Will I have a bad reaction, and what about needles or infusions
29:46 Is a biologic safe during pregnancy or family planning
30:45 Dr. Mosnaim's final thoughts
