Asia-Pacific experts propose clinical remission definition and lung function goals for severe asthma

A position statement by Asia-Pacific experts reviewed the current state of severe asthma management in the region, identifying key challenges including inadequate clinical expertise, delayed patient identification and referral, limited access to advanced diagnostics and treatments, suboptimal adherence, and insufficient government support and funding. The statement was based on expert review rather than primary research data, and the authors noted limited data exist on the full extent of the severe asthma burden in the Asia-Pacific region.

The experts proposed a definition for clinical remission in severe asthma specific to the Asia-Pacific context. This definition includes elimination of exacerbation and use of oral corticosteroids, good symptom control, and the inclusion of lung function criteria. For patients with remodelled airways, the statement suggests that restoring normal lung function may be unrealistic, and that striving for optimal individual lung function or maintaining stability may be a more attainable treatment goal.

No specific interventions, comparators, or treatment efficacy data were reported. Safety and tolerability information was not provided. The statement's practice relevance lies in its proposed key recommendations and actionable steps to improve severe asthma management across the Asia-Pacific region. However, clinicians should interpret these recommendations cautiously as they are based on expert consensus rather than clinical trial evidence, and genetic, environmental, behavioral, policy, and funding factors in this region differ from other parts of the world.