TYPES OF ASTHMA
SEVERE EOSINOPHILIC ASTHMA
What is severe Eosinophilic Asthma?
Asthma is considered “severe” when it is uncontrolled despite the best-suited treatment being used correctly and diligently, and any factor that may contribute to the Asthma is managed, or Asthma that worsens when high dose treatment is decreased 24
Eosinophilic Asthma is caused by an increased number of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a specific type of white blood cell (making up about 5 % of all white blood cells) which help us fight off infections, and are therefore an important part of our immune system. 25,26
The condition is generally very severe and seen in people who developed Asthma as adults, but it may very seldomly be seen in children or teenagers. 26
Eosinophilic Asthma is very similar in many ways to allergic Asthma, but it differs from allergic Asthma in that those who struggle with Eosinophilic Asthma do not necessarily experience a trigger from an allergen (such as pollen, pet dander or smoke), and they often struggle with chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps. 26
Of all asthmatics, 1 in 3 may have Eosinophilic Asthma. 27
An Eosinophil helps fight infections
LIVING WITH ASTHMA
It is possible to live well with Asthma if you manage it.
The diagnosis of Eosinophilic Asthma
To test for Eosinophilic Asthma, your healthcare provider will send either blood or sputum to a laboratory to test for eosinophils. 28
The above tests, as well as confirmation of certain biomarkers, can indicate what type of Asthma a person has, as well as what type of treatment would probably be most effective. 29
Treatment
Patients with severe Eosinophilic Asthma are usually treated with the same treatment as those with less severe allergic Asthma, which are inhaled bronchodilators and/or corticosteroids. Unfortunately, these may not be completely effective to manage severe Eosinophilic Asthma. 28
Newer biologic therapies, called monoclonal antibodies, are more individualised treatment prescribed to help manage this condition. They work on different targets or biomarkers in the body, which makes the diagnosis tests very important. 24
Biologics have been proven to: 24
Asthma Attacks
Asthma Control
Improve control of Asthma (as measured by the Asthma Control Test)
Steroid Use
Asthma Attacks
Asthma Control
