Eosinophilic asthma, also known as e-asthma, is one of the most common subtypes ofasthmadiagnosed in adulthood.
Why this occurs is unknown.
The fluid andmucusthat results may lead to spasms in your airways (bronchioles) and cause your asthma symptoms.
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Know that most of these exacerbations are preventable if the asthma is properly managed.
Diagnosis
Eosinophilic asthma is under-diagnosed.
It is not considered common even though the prevalence is thought to be higher than previously believed.
You generally want to be seen by a pulmonologist if you are concerned.
Allergists and immunologists may also be helpful in your thorough evaluation.
It often requires the use of a specific lab staffed with experts.
This treatment is then followed by giving you a nebulized hypertonic saline.
The higher concentration of saline when inhaled irritates the airways and helps to induce coughing.
This procedure can be used to identify abnormal cells in the diagnosis of several different lung diseases.
Other Methods
Other methods have been developed to help diagnose e-asthma.
That said, it may help your healthcare provider in further differentiating any other symptoms you are having.
Other tests may be used to help diagnose asthma.
High levels are a possible indication of lung inflammation that may be a response to an allergen.
Periostin levels tend to be elevated in response to asthma that activates certain immune cells (TH2).
Induced sputum and blood eosinophil counts are still preferable to FeNO and periostin according to most clinicians and guidelines.
Periostin is a biomarker in your airway epithelial cells.
But results are variable in other studies and the test is not easily available.
Induced sputum and blood eosinophil counts are still preferable to FeNO and periostin according to most clinicians and guidelines.
Treatment
First-line treatment of eosinophilic asthma should include your standard asthma treatment regimen.
Minimizing use of steroids also brings a reduction in side effects that can increase your quality of life.
Monitoring
A standard follow-up appointment is about two to six weeks after starting a new medication.
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