EOSINOPHILIC ASTHMA IS ONE THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH LEVELS OF A WHITE BLOOD CELL KNOWN AS EOSINOPHIL
In the United States, approximately 25.7 million people suffer from a type of asthma. Up to 15% of these have severe asthma. This means that standard medication alone is not enough to control this medical condition.
Eosinophilic asthma is one of the leading causes of severe asthma as it affects 50-60% of people who suffer from the severe form of this disease. However, when you look at the general population, this condition seems quite rare, affecting only about 5% of adults who have asthma.
WHAT IS EOSINOPHILIC ASTHMA?
This type of asthma is just like any other in that people who suffer from it tend to get inflamed airways that have been blocked by mucus and fluid. They also experience spasms which make it difficult to breathe.
The key difference between this asthma and other kinds of asthma is that this type involves extremely high levels of eosinophil, a type of white blood cells.
Eosinophils form part of a person’s immune system and therefore help to fight off infections. However, high levels of this cell tend to cause inflammation in one’s airways. This will in turn affect the sinuses and nasal passage together with lower airways.
The higher the levels of eosinophils, the more severe the inflammation and other symptoms of asthma. This type of asthma often develops in adults between the ages of 25-35. People with this condition will most likely not suffer from other forms of allergies. On the downside, the condition may be difficult to treat and can have adverse effects on the quality of a person’s life.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
One should see a doctor if they regularly experience the following symptoms:
1. Wheezing
2. Shortness of breath
3. Tightness in the chest
4. Coughing
Consistent treatment of this kind of asthma is important since inflammation may result in permanent damage. For instance, one’s airway may thicken or the lung tissue may get scarred. It is recommended that asthma patients see a doctor at least once every year so as to ensure the treatment plan is competent.
Symptoms that require immediate medical action are:
1. Wheezing during breathing
2. Difficulty going about your daily activities
3. Dizziness
Emergency care is needed if these symptoms develop:
1. Nails or lips turning blue
2. Breathing that causes the nostrils to flare
3. Difficulty talking or walking at a natural pace
4. Fast-acting medication providing no relief after 15 minutes
5. More than 30 breaths per minute
CONCLUSION
Severe asthma may be life-threatening if not taken care of in time. People with this condition must be active when it comes to taking medication so as to avoid fatalities.
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