Refractory asthma

Does anyone know what ""refractory asthma"" is? My consultant described my asthma as ""refractory"" to some students. I have been called brittle before but not refractory. Any ideas??

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wierd

i have never heard of that one is it a new name they always come up with new names for everything.if your not sure ask the doctor when you go to your next appoinment or ask someone else on these message boards if they have. or have you got an up to date asthma book if its in their worth a try.hope these tips help. from groovy chick

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refractory in medic-speak is an illness that doesn't respond well to treatment, and that continues over a long time. So if you have brittle asthma that never really goes away, it could be described as refractory.

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Thanks, I have done some internet searches and it seems to just mean kind of brittle, long standing disease I think. Whats in a title heh!!