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Severe Asthma: Challenges and Goals

Challenges in severe asthma

Over 200,000 people in the UK are affected by severe asthma1, which comprises patients whose disease remains uncontrolled despite optimised treatment with high-dose ICS-LABA or OCS, or that requires high-dose ICS-LABA or OCS to prevent it from becoming uncontrolled.2

It is distinguished from asthma that is 'difficult to treat' due to inadequate or inappropriate treatment, or persistent problems with treatment-related adherence or comorbidities.2

Patients with severe asthma experience a substantial burden of symptoms, exacerbations and medication side effects, including those associated with cumulative long-term and repeated OCS exposure.3-5

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Severe asthma infographic

Discover more about the burden of severe asthma in this infographic.

NP-GB-ASU-BROC-230001 | March 2025

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Diagram detailing the burden of severe asthma

Patient care goals

Structural airway changes remains a reality for many patients living with severe asthma, with fixed airways obstruction and irreversible bronchoconstriction due to airway remodelling resulting in laboured breathing and impaired quality of life.6–8

HCPs are calling for more ambitious management goals, including a greater focus on disease prevention and remission through earlier, targeted intervention.9

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Achieving clinical remission in patients with severe asthma: Improving patient outcomes

Explore this infographic to learn more about treatment goals for patients with severe asthma

NX-GB-ASU-BROC-230001 | April 2025

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Diagram detailing single-component treatment goals and multi-component treatment goals

Severe asthma

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Clinical management and primary care

Severe asthma in clinical practice and corticosteroid use in primary care.

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IL-5 and type 2 inflammation

The pathophysiological processes and cellular impact of type 2 inflammation and IL-5 in severe asthma.

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Abbreviations

HCP, healthcare professional; ICS, inhaled corticosteroid; LABA, long-acting β2-agonist; OCS, oral corticosteroid.

References

  1. Asthma+Lung UK. 2020. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/severe-asthma_report_final.pdf (Accessed April 2026);
  2. NICE. Asthma: What is it?https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/asthma/background-information/definition/ (Accessed April 2026);
  3. Chung KF, et al. Eur Respir J 2014;43:343–373; 
  4. Peters SP, et al. Respir Med 2006;100:1139–1151;
  5. Sullivan PW, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018;141:110–116.e7;
  6. Busse WW, et al. Eur Respir Rev 2022;31:210183;
  7. Wang E, et al. Chest 2020;157:790–804;
  8. Smith BM, et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2021;51:39–48;
  9. Pavord ID, et al. Lancet 2018;391:350–400.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GSK on 0800 221 441 or UKSafety@gsk.com

May 2026 | NP-GB-ASU-WCNT-250003 (V2.0)