Understanding Eosinophilic Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Eosinophilic Asthma

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Eosinophilic asthma is a specific subtype of asthma characterized by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the airways.

8 people with Eosinophilic Asthma

Learn from others who are experiencing Eosinophilic Asthma.

Signs & symptoms

* Recurrent wheezing: Wheezing is a common symptom of eosinophilic asthma, characterized by a whistling or squeaking sound during breathing. * Shortness of breath: Individuals with eosinophilic asthma may experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exposure to triggers. * Coughing: Chronic coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning, is another common symptom. * Chest tightness: Some individuals may feel a sensation of tightness or pressure in the chest. * Symptoms triggered by allergens: Eosinophilic asthma is often associated with allergies, so symptoms may worsen when exposed to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander.

Diagnosis

* Medical history and physical examination: The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and medical history. They will also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for any abnormal sounds. * Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure lung function and airflow. The most common test is spirometry, where you blow forcefully into a device to measure how much air you can exhale and how quickly. * Blood tests: A blood test can measure eosinophil levels and determine if they are elevated, suggesting eosinophilic asthma. * Sputum eosinophil count: In some cases, a sputum sample may be collected to analyze the presence of eosinophils in the airways.

Treatment

* Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications are the mainstay of treatment for eosinophilic asthma. They reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma symptoms. * Bronchodilators: Short-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, can provide quick relief during asthma attacks or when symptoms flare up. * Biologic therapies: In cases where eosinophilic asthma is severe or not responding to other treatments, biologic therapies may be considered. These medications target specific molecules involved in the immune response, such as monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-5 (IL-5). * Allergen avoidance: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as allergens or irritants, can help reduce asthma symptoms. * Asthma action plan: Developing an individualized asthma action plan with your healthcare provider can help you monitor your symptoms, recognize triggers, and adjust medication use accordingly.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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