A mother is placing her hopes on a groundbreaking treatment to potentially save her seven-year-old daughter from asthma-related complications. Sammi Boyle, 29, fears that her daughter, Ariana Boyle, could succumb to severe asthma attacks if not treated promptly.
Ariana, residing in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, has been hospitalized over 50 times due to her brittle asthma. The family is now turning to biologic injections as a last-resort solution. These injections, utilizing antibodies produced in a laboratory, target specific cells in the body to reduce lung inflammation. Such specialized therapy is reserved for critical cases where the risk of fatality is high.
Before commencing the treatment, Ariana must undergo several months of evaluations to determine the appropriate medication. Her treatment is set to commence in the upcoming month. Sammi expressed her concerns, stating, “Her asthma is worsening, and I fear for her life if it remains uncontrolled.” Currently, Ariana is undergoing treatment in the hospital following a recent severe attack, merely a day after her discharge.
Following a distressing incident in September last year, where Ariana required CPR after turning blue, doctors recommended the potentially life-saving injections. Despite using inhalers to manage bronchial spasms, Ariana still encounters up to 20 breathing difficulties daily. Recalling the harrowing experience, Sammi described how Ariana’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leaving her unresponsive.
With the family’s optimism pinned on the biologic injections, known to have positive effects on asthma sufferers, they understand that success is not guaranteed. The injections could potentially replace Ariana’s current steroid regimen, which causes adverse effects such as vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Sammi emphasized the urgency, “I wish she could receive the injections sooner. Her condition is deteriorating, and asthma remains a serious threat.”
Joseph Carter, the head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, called for enhanced support, diagnosis, and access to biologics for severe asthma cases across Scotland. A spokesperson from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde assured continued support for Ariana and her family, with plans in place for initiating the new treatment promptly.