What You Need to Know About Eosinophilic Asthma | Presented by AstraZeneca

Summary

Asthma, affecting approximately 26 million people in the U.S., including a significant portion with severe forms, is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, leading to symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Triggers range from environmental irritants to allergens. For some, particularly adult women, symptoms persist despite treatment, pointing to eosinophilic asthma, a subtype marked by high eosinophil counts. Uncontrolled, it can lead to increased asthma attacks and deteriorating lung function. Diagnosis through blood tests can guide tailored treatment plans, crucial for effective asthma management.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Asthma is a widespread condition, affecting approximately 26 million people in the U.S., with up to 10% experiencing severe forms.
• 😷 During an asthma attack, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, leading to breathing difficulties.
• 🌬️ Symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which can be triggered by environmental and allergic factors.
• 🚫 Despite proper medication and inhaler use, some individuals, particularly adult women, may have severe and uncontrolled asthma symptoms.
• ⚠️ Severe asthma can be life-threatening, with signs including frequent symptoms, reliance on rescue inhalers, and multiple emergency room visits.
• 🔬 Elevated eosinophil levels can indicate eosinophilic asthma (e-asthma), which, if uncontrolled, increases the risk of future attacks and lung function decline.
• 🩺 A blood test can diagnose e-asthma, aiding in the development of an effective treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.
• 💬 Patients with asthma should consult with their healthcare providers about getting a blood test to assess their condition and manage it better.
• 🛠️ Proper management of asthma, including identifying and addressing underlying causes like e-asthma, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Q & A

What is asthma and how common is it in the U.S.?

Asthma is a disease that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. It is quite common, with approximately 26 million people in the U.S. suffering from the disease.

What percentage of asthma patients have severe asthma?

Up to 10% of asthma patients have severe asthma, which can be life-threatening and requires more intensive treatment.

What happens during an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways contract, the airways become inflamed, and extra mucus is produced, all of which cause difficulty in breathing.

What are the common symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms of asthma include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

What can trigger asthma attacks?

Asthma attacks can be triggered by environmental factors such as poor air quality or chemical irritants, as well as allergic triggers like dander, pollen, and mold.

Why do some people with asthma have severe and uncontrolled symptoms despite proper medication?

Some people, particularly adult women, may have severe and uncontrolled asthma symptoms due to elevated numbers of white blood cells called eosinophils, which can lead to a condition known as eosinophilic asthma.

What are the signs that severe asthma may be uncontrolled?

Signs that severe asthma may be uncontrolled include experiencing symptoms more than twice a week, using rescue inhalers more than twice a week, recurring emergency room visits, and frequent doses of oral corticosteroids.

What is eosinophilic asthma and how does it relate to asthma attacks?

Eosinophilic asthma, or e-asthma, is a type of asthma characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. When uncontrolled, it can lead to inflamed airways and an increased risk of future asthma attacks and worsening lung function.

How can eosinophilic asthma be diagnosed?

Eosinophilic asthma can be diagnosed through a blood test that measures the levels of eosinophils in the body.

Why is it important for asthma patients to discuss their condition with their healthcare team?

It is important for asthma patients to discuss their condition with their healthcare team to ensure they receive the correct treatment plan, which may include a blood test to diagnose eosinophilic asthma and adjust their management accordingly.

How can a blood test change the management of asthma?

A blood test can help diagnose eosinophilic asthma and guide the healthcare team in determining the right treatment plan, potentially leading to more effective management of the patient's asthma symptoms.