Eosinophilic asthma (EA) is a form of asthma that is severe. High levels of white blood cells characterize it.
The cells, also known as Eosinophils, are essential to the immune system. They fight off infections and invaders with bacteria. In people suffering from EA, the white blood cells can cause inflammation and swelling of the respiratory tract and airways. The greater the number of eosinophils present in the blood; the more severe asthma symptoms may be.
Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) is a rare condition. It’s unclear the number of people who suffer from this particular type of asthma. Yet, research suggests that 5 percent of people living with asthma have EA.
It’s challenging to treat and could affect the quality of life. Being aware of the signs and signs of this type of asthma will aid you, and your physician finds the most efficient treatment options that can lower the chance of developing complications.
What are the signs of Eosinophilic Asthma?
Signs and symptoms of Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) are like to many typical asthma symptoms. Specific symptoms are more likely for people suffering from this subtype of asthma. These include:
- breathlessness
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- coughing
- Airflow obstruction
- chronic sinus symptoms like nasal drainage, stuffy nose, and a decreased sense of smell
- nasal polyps
- eosinophilia, or more than the average level of eosinophils present in the blood
A few of these asthma symptoms are more like to those of chronic pulmonary obstruction disorder (COPD). must to work with your PCP to fathom your indications better and conclude the right observing that will help you in securing all the more remarkable treatment.
What is the method identified?
If you’ve received a diagnosis of asthma, but do not seem to be responding with treatment well, then your physician may be able to determine that you suffer from an uncommon subtype of asthma. They’ll likely examine your asthma and search for other indicators or signs that could help them decide whether they have a diagnosis.
In the event of Eosinophilic Asthma (EA), the simplest step is to determine the levels of white blood cells. To do this, your physician will draw blood, sputum, or saliva and send it to a laboratory. Eosinophils with high levels may confirm the doctor’s diagnosis.
Alongside the blood tests, the doctor could also perform a physical examination. Sure, physical signs like nasal polyps may confirm the diagnosis. A combination test of blood and a physical exam may be enough for your doctor to determine the diagnosis of the condition.
How do you manage and treat Eosinophilic Asthma?
In the United States, 1 in 12 people Trusted Source has asthma. Doctors are now aware that there are many different types of asthma thing they are aware that subtypes must specific treatment. The individual therapy for each subtype will help you get the most effective outcome for your disease.
Traditional asthma treatment involves inhaling corticosteroids and an inhaler for rescue. But, patients who suffer from EA do not always respond well to corticosteroids inhaled. Higher doses can reduce their effectiveness which could mean switching to a new approach.
This is why doctors try to manage inflammation caused by Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) and reduce the chance of developing severe inflammation in the future. If inflammation is controlled by treating it, the side consequences of this kind of asthma could be less painful.
The most popular treatment options for Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) comprises the following.
Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids aren’t for everyone, and your doctor might recommend pills. Corticosteroid pills may cause more adverse effects and complications than inhalers, so be sure to discuss this with your physician.
Fast-acting inhalers
Inhalers for rescue are used for those who have asthma. They can help those suffering from this type of asthma, but they can lose effectiveness with time.
Leukotriene modifiers
Leukotrienes are substances in your body that team with eosinophils to cause inflammation. Leukotriene modifiers combat the inflammation these substances trigger in the body. The most prescribed drugs that fall into this category are Montelukast, Hazelton, and Zafirlukast.
Biologic treatments
The drugs work by blocking the chemical substances in your body, which cause swelling and inflammation. They are administered via an injection or an intravenous (IV) drip. The biologics prescribed for EA include Omalizumab and mepolizumab.
Complications of Eosinophilic Asthma (EA)
Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) could affect your life quality when you don’t address the flare-up. In time swelling and inflammation in the airways could cause tissue scarring and injury. The result is that symptoms can become more severe, and treatment options may be less effective.
Patients with EA can experience complications or typical side effects of the condition. This includes:
- chronic sinus inflammations
- Infections in the inner ear
- nasal polyps
- aspirin-induced respiratory disease (AERD) AERD is a form of chronic illness with many EA symptoms.
Also, eosinophils, which are the white blood cells responsible for this kind of asthma, may attack other areas within your body. A common site of the attack is your digestive (GI) tract. If this happens, it is necessary to seek medical attention for any resulting symptoms.
The Bottom Line
As scientists and specialists work on how they might interpret the asthma subtypes, The medicines will turn out to be more successful. This means that outcomes will improve as well.
People suffering from Eosinophilic Asthma (EA) must be diagnosed and start working with their physicians to discover the best treatment for the symptoms as they manifest. Regular treatment is crucial to reducing the risk of complications and finding treatment options that can benefit you.
It’s important to make extra efforts to protect yourself if you’ve been diagnosed with this uncommon type of asthma. Adhering to the treatment program is only the beginning. You must also strive to maintain your physical health and be aware of your body’s signals to relaxation. So, when the symptoms become worse, your body will be better prepared to fight inflammation and use medicines to help you heal faster.