Understanding Eosinophilic Asthma: Characteristics and Management
Eosinophilic asthma is a severe, less common type of asthma characterized by high eosinophil levels leading to airway inflammation. It affects adults and requires specific diagnosis and treatment, including inhalers, biologics, and lifestyle adjustments. Awareness of triggers and self-care are vital for managing this condition and preventing long-term lung damage.
What is eosinophilic asthma and how is it different?
Asthma encompasses various chronic respiratory conditions affecting millions worldwide. In the country, over 25 million individuals are affected, with approximately 15% experiencing severe asthma. Eosinophilic asthma, a rarer form impacting around 5% of adults, is characterized by elevated eosinophil levels—white blood cells involved in immune response—that lead to airway inflammation. This inflammation can cause airway blockage, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential to prevent long-term lung damage.
Symptoms often include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, sinus infections, loss of smell, nasal polyps, and lung function abnormalities. Unlike typical asthma triggered by allergens like dust or pollen, eosinophilic asthma usually affects adults and is driven by increased eosinophil levels, leading to inflammation without immediate allergen contact. Treatment options include inhaled corticosteroids, oral steroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene inhibitors, biologics, and procedures like bronchial thermoplasty. Triggers may include molds, certain foods, pet dander, cigarette smoke, pollution, and physical or emotional stress.
Self-care strategies involve identifying personal triggers, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising with medical guidance, getting annual flu vaccinations, avoiding allergens, quitting smoking, and keeping pets and environment clean to reduce exposure. Proper management can significantly improve quality of life and prevent irreversible lung damage in eosinophilic asthma patients.
