UCLA

This case illustrates an example of a patient with mild asthma who experiences a severe life-threatening exacerbation. This patients experience is one of many that challenges the common misperception that mild, well-controlled asthma is not at risk for severe life-threatening exacerbations. The case exploration highlights the data fueling the new 2019/2020 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, pharmaco-inequity, and barriers to healthcare access which can increase the risk for poor asthma outcomes. The graphic illustrates when patients with asthma, including those with mild asthma, may benefit from referral to an allergist-immunologist. Overall, this case underscores the importance of bridging the gap between generalists and allergist-immunologists to better serve an oft-overlooked patient population.