Zeitschrift für Krankenpflege und Pflege

Severe Asthma: Moving from Phenotype to Endotype Classification with Updates on Treatment

Abstract

Carlos Noujeim and Pierre Bou-Khalil*

Asthma has classically been categorized into several phenotypes to address the complexities of this disease. However, phenotypes only cover the clinically relevant aspects of the disease, but do not address the relationship between the disease and its etiology and pathophysiology. This led to the development of the term “endotypes” which links key pathogenic mechanisms with asthma phenotypes, and ultimately leads to better selection of treatment resulting in improved response. Although the exact pathogenesis of asthma is still under investigation, targeted-therapy based on asthma phenotypes and endotypes has shown some success, and the future appears promising for patients suffering from severe asthma since treatment is being tailored according to individual biology. We review in this manuscript the best evidence and updates currently available in the classification and treatment recommendations for severe asthma.