Eosinophilic Asthma Treatment

Patients with eosinophilic asthma experience symptoms due to their high levels of eosinophils. Learn more about this condition below.

Eosinophilic Asthma Symptoms Diagnosing Testing Treatments FAQ
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What is Eosinophilic Asthma?

Eosinophils are a normal subtype of white blood cell, and from an evolutionary standpoint are meant to protect us from parasitic or helminthic infections. Eosinophilic asthma occurs when a patient has 150 eosinophils/microliter, causing swelling in their airways and leading to asthma symptoms.

What Are Symptoms of Eosinophilic Asthma?

 

 

Shortness of Breath

A common symptom characterized by difficulty breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air

Chest Pain

Discomfort or aching in the chest, which can occur during an asthma attack but may also have other causes

Chest Squeezing

A gripping or constricting feeling in the chest, often experienced during an asthma attack

Coughing

Frequent coughing, especially at night or in the early morning, is a classic asthma symptom

Decreased Endurance with Sports

A reduction in physical stamina and athletic performance due to asthma-related limitations

Chest Tightness

A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest often associated with asthma, making breathing uncomfortable

Chest Heaviness

A sense of weight or pressure in the chest, typically linked to asthma symptoms

Wheezing

High-pitched, whistling sounds while breathing, commonly associated with asthma due to narrowed airways

Shortness of Breath with Activity

Experiencing breathing difficulties during physical exertion or exercise due to asthma triggers

How is Eosinophilic Asthma Diagnosed?

Medical History & Physical Exam

Gathering a thorough medical history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination are pivotal steps in diagnosing and managing asthma effectively.

Diagnostic Testing

Your medical provider will conduct pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and DLCO and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as diagnostics tests for asthma. If necessary, additional testing, such as a chest x-ray or a methacholine challenge may also be obtained.

Treatment

Eosinophilic asthma treatment recommendations will be determined based on the level of severity of your diagnosis.

How Do You Test for Eosinophilic Asthma?

Spirometry
Spirometry is a breathing test that evaluates the function of your lungs by measuring airflow in order to diagnose asthma.
Lung Volumes
This measures the volume of air in the lungs during different phases of respiratory cycle or with different maneuvers.
DLCO
Diffusing Capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide. This is a measurement that assesses the lungs’ ability to transfer gas to and from the inhaled air into the capillaries that line the alveoli in the lungs.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) is a test approved to help assess asthma control. It measures the gas called Nitric Oxide in your breath, which is a marker of inflammation in the lungs.

How to Treat Eosinophilic Asthma?

At Impact Medical, treatment recommendations are based on Practice Parameters published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Maintenance Medications
Maintenance medications may be prescribed for regular use to aggressively reduce airway inflammation.
Biologic Therapies
Biologic therapies are used for patients with moderate to severe asthma who remain poorly controlled despite conventional treatments. These newer targeted therapies have been designed to target immunologic triggers that drive asthma.

Eosinophilic Asthma FAQs

An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that is a component of the immune system. Eosinophils are involved in defending against parasites and promoting allergic reactions. Eosinophilic asthma occurs when a patient has 150 eosinophils/microliter, an increased number of eosinophils in their blood.

Maintenance medications and biologic therapies can be used to treat eosinophilic asthma and reduce inflammation in the airways.

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