Overview
Eosinophilic asthma is a severe type of asthma that occurs when the number of eosinophils increases beyond the normal level. Eosinophils are special type of white blood cells. Unlike other type of asthmas, eosinophilic asthma is not caused by allergens like pollen and animal fur. The increased number of eosinophils causes inflammation and blockage of the nasal cavity. The common symptoms of eosinophilic asthma include, wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and inflamed nasal membrane.
Treatments for eosinophilic asthma
There are various treatment methods for eosinophilic asthma. The goal is to reduce eosinophils in airways and control the victim’s breathing. Chronic eosinophilic asthma drugs treatments that are available are:
1.Corticosteroids
They are drugs developed from a group of steroids called cortisone and are used for relieving inflammation in airways. They act by lessening itching, reddening and swelling. They can be inhaled or taken as pills. However, corticosteroids pills have more adverse side effects than the inhaled types. The common corticosteroids are fluticasone, budesonide and beclomethasone.
2.Fast-acting inhalers
They dispense a certain substance called bronchodilator which expand the contracted airways thus helping the victim to breathe normally and recover from asthma attack. Bronchodilators also help to open the airways by reducing the building up of mucus. They are also available as tablets, injections and liquids. Side effects include hyperactivity, increased heart rate and anxiety.
3.Leukotriene modifiers
They are long-term asthma control drugs that are aimed at reducing production of leukotrienes or inhibiting them from binding to their receptors in smooth muscles. They are also referred to as leukotriene receptor antagonists. They prevent constriction of airway muscles thus lessening asthma attack. The drugs include, zafirlukast, montelukast and zileuton. The side effects associated with the drugs are aggression, irritability, suicidal thoughts, insomnia and depression.
4.Biologics
Biologics are genetically engineered proteins that are aimed at fighting certain substance that cause inflammation. They are prescribed to people suffering from eosinophilic asthma whose symptoms have not responded to other medications. They prevent one from asthma attacks. Anti-eosinophilic asthma biologics target interleukin-5, an immune protein that enhances production of eosinophils. The action reduces swelling of airways. The biologic drugs available for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma are mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab. Their side effects include, headaches, cold-like symptoms and fatigue.
Bronchial Thermoplasty
It is a non-drug procedure for treating eosinophilic asthma. Your doctor may recommend it if prescription medication like corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, bronchodilators and biologics do not work. It acts by delivering thermal energy to airways of lungs thus reducing amount of smooth muscle in lungs. This reduces constriction of airways thus reducing asthma attack. The procedure is carried out under moderate sedation during different outpatient visits.
Conclusion
Eosinophilic asthma can be indicated by severe symptoms like wheezing, breathing difficulties, chest tightness which can adversely affect the victim. However, the chronic eosinophilic asthma drugs treatment outlined above can help manage the condition effectively.
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Posted on March 24, 2023