Understanding the experience of people living with severe asthma

Severe asthma has a significant impact on the lives of people with the disease. The burden is both physical and emotional, with patients struggling to control symptoms of their asthma, as well as the significant comorbidities that exist with severe disease. These physical impacts lead to an emotional burden that has an impact not only on the individual but also on their relationships with loved ones, friends and work colleagues. Adverse effects from medications also negatively affect their experience of living with severe asthma. Together, the physical, emotional and medication burdens lead to people with severe asthma feeling isolated, alone and battling with their own identify. However, despite these negative impacts, people with severe asthma can also identify strategies to adapt to this disabling disease and demonstrate resilience. Understanding the experience of patients with severe asthma is imperative and can be aided by the use of patient-reported outcome measures. Strategies aimed at improving patient experience are a priority