Eosinophilic Asthma: A Rare Subtype

Eosinophilic asthma is a rare subtype of asthma. It’s often severe, hard to treat, and usually starts in adulthood. It used to mean more frequent asthma attacks and a lower quality of life. But that’s quickly changing with new research and treatment options.

When you have eosinophilic asthma, you have inflammation in your respiratory system caused by white blood cells called eosinophils. Normally, they help you fight disease. One of their jobs is to cause swelling, which helps your body fight germs. However, too much swelling can make you wheeze or have trouble breathing.

Unlike typical asthma, eosinophilic asthma often starts between ages 35 and 50. It’s also not usually triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander. You may experience shortness of breath instead of the classic wheezing, so it may not even seem like asthma at first. It’s also less responsive to common asthma treatments like inhalers.

Inhalers don't have much of an effect on eosinophilic asthma. That means it's harder to manage, and you're more likely to have asthma attacks. Usually, you need to take corticosteroid pills, which can have side effects.

New care options are on the horizon as doctors continue to understand eosinophilic asthma better. Ongoing studies are exploring different treatments and how to improve the quality of life for those who live with it.