E-asthma treatment: coping with fear of injections

Eosinophilic asthma, or e-asthma, is a type of asthma. As with other forms of asthma, people who have e-asthma experience inflammation in the airways. This can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chronic cold, and sinusitis symptoms. With e-asthma, this inflammation is linked to high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

E-asthma symptoms are often severe. They may not be controlled by standard asthma treatments, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators. So, many patients with e-asthma are prescribed biologic therapies, also called immunomodulators. These medications help manage e-asthma by calming inflammation in the body, which helps to reduce swelling in the airways.

Unlike other asthma treatments, which are taken orally or with an inhaler or nebulizer, immunomodulators are given intravenously (through an IV) or via injection. After training with a healthcare provider (HCP), many shots can be self-administered at home. But even then, needles can be intimidating or even frightening for some people.

Tips for overcoming a fear of needles

If you feel squeamish about needles, you’re not alone.

"It’s such a common fear and nothing to be ashamed of," says Amber Champion, MD, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "Especially since it’s not exactly a natural process to have an injection or have blood taken."

Because fear of needles is such a widespread issue, HCPs and researchers continually strive for solutions. Over the years, for example, needles have gotten thinner, shorter, and less painful.

But there are also strategies people with e-asthma can use to cope with a fear of needles in the moment. These tips may help you feel more comfortable with your next shot or IV infusion.

• Prepare. Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced meal to help you maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which helps prevent fainting.
• Talk. If you’re receiving a treatment at a medical facility, start a conversation with the person administering it. Let them know how you’re feeling. They might even know a trick or two to help you relax.
• Look away. Keep your head turned the other way if someone else is giving you the shot. You may want to fix your gaze on an immovable object or even a spot on the ceiling and stay focused on it.
• Relax. Relaxing your muscles can help make the treatment less painful.
• Visualize. Picture yourself in a peaceful location, such as a beach or meadow, or any place where you know you feel peaceful and comfortable.
• Listen. Soothe yourself with sounds by listening to peaceful classical music or other calming sounds while you are receiving the medication.
• Breathe. Try meditation-style breathing by taking deep breaths through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This can help you relax both mind and body.

Try to remember, while uncomfortable, that getting the medicine is important to your health and your asthma control. Over time, you may even grow more accustomed to needles, or getting or giving yourself a shot.

If your fear of needles induces severe panic or anxiety, you may want to consider working with a therapist to manage your phobia.