Eosinophilic asthma is a rare form of chronic airway inflammation caused by high eosinophil levels. It presents with symptoms like nasal issues, breathing difficulties, and cough, differing from typical asthma. Effective treatment includes inhaled steroids, biologics, and lifestyle adjustments. Proper diagnosis and management are essential to prevent airway damage and improve quality of life.

What Is Eosinophilic Asthma and How Is It Different?

Asthma is a broad term covering several chronic breathing conditions, affecting over 25 million people across the country. About 15% of these cases are severe, including eosinophilic asthma, a less common subtype that affects roughly 5% of adults. This form is driven by increased eosinophils—white blood cells involved in immune responses—leading to airway inflammation. Symptoms include nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent cough. Unlike typical asthma triggered by allergens, eosinophilic asthma primarily relates to high eosinophil levels, often mimicking COPD. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective management and preventing airway deterioration.

Key symptoms include breathlessness, chest tightness, nasal polyps, sinus infections, and diminished olfactory senses. Unlike other asthma forms triggered by allergens like pollen or dust, eosinophilic asthma mainly involves elevated eosinophil counts, not immediate allergen exposure. Predominantly affecting adults, it manifests as persistent respiratory issues rather than simple wheezing. Treatment options comprise inhaled corticosteroids, systemic steroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, biologic medications, and bronchial thermoplasty—using heat to reduce airway inflammation. Common triggers include mold, certain foods, pet dander, pollen, smoke, environmental changes, and stress.

Management and Self-Care Tips

Identify personal triggers like allergens or irritants to improve control.

Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular exercise—after consulting your healthcare provider—to strengthen lung capacity.

Get yearly flu shots to lower complication risk.

Monitor foods that worsen symptoms by keeping a diary.

Avoid smoking to prevent increased inflammation.

Practice good pet hygiene and limit exposure to dust, mold, and pollen.