For years, physicians were under the impression that asthma was one condition. However, they realize that’s not the case, thanks to modern medicine. Asthma is a collection of conditions with different symptoms and effects. Some differences are the age of patients when they’re diagnosed, symptoms, and treatment. However, all treatments are still tailored to individual patients.
Are Your Symptoms Asthma or Eosinophilic Asthma?
Eosinophilic asthma is a rare condition, generally diagnosed in adults. It’s more severe than most forms of asthma. The primary treatment for asthma, corticosteroids, don’t treat this form of asthma, even if the dose is high. It’s harder to manage, and you’re more likely to have debilitating attacks. Generally, doctors prescribe corticosteroid pills which have more side effects than a traditional inhaler. Several biologics are approved to treat eosinophilic attacks, such as:
- Benralizumab (Fasenra) – Fasenra is an injected medication given subcutaneously in the arm, thigh, or stomach. For the first three doses, your physician will inject the medication monthly. After that, they’ll wait two months between doses.
- Mepolizumab (Nucala) – Like Fasenra, Nucala is an injected medication. However, Nucala can be injected by the patient and should be taken once a month. Your age, response to treatment, and medical condition determine your dose.
- Reslizumab (Cinqair) – Cinqair is another injected medication. But it’s not a subcutaneous injection like Fasenra or Nucala. Cinqair is injected directly into the vein by IV and only by a physician. Once a month, your physician will give you a dose of Cinqair for about twenty to fifty minutes. The dosage is determined by response to treatment and medical conditions.
Eosinophilic asthma is caused by inflammation in your respiratory system. The cells that cause this form of asthma are called eosinophils.
Eosinophils are white blood cells that act the same way your immune system does. Usually, these cells would help you fight off diseases. Their job is to cause swelling. When your body fights germs, swelling is one of the ways it does just that. Too much swelling can cause complications.
So far, no one knows what causes this type of asthma. No known triggers, such as food or exercise, would put you at risk.
However, physicians know that eosinophilic asthma is diagnosed in adults between thirty and thirty-five with no allergies. Sometimes it happens in adults older than thirty-five or children, though it’s less common. Adult asthma affects women more often, but eosinophilic asthma has the same statistics.
Testing for Eosinophilic Asthma
We can test you for asthma at All-American Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. We have access to the most current tests, delivering accurate patient information. Whether you’re worried about asthma or allergies, our offices can guide you through your treatment. Call us to schedule asthma or allergy tests if you’re worried. If you’re diagnosed with Eosinophilic asthma, we offer a range of treatments to make managing your condition easier. Even if you don’t have eosinophilic asthma, the correct treatment makes a difference. Schedule an appointment as soon as you feel unwell.
