In a recent survey conducted by various doctors, it has been seen that around 5% of normal asthmatic patients show a tendency to have eosinophilic asthma. This eosinophilic asthma, or EA as we may call it, is a severe form of asthma. Therefore, if a patient has severe eosinophilic asthma, the normal asthmatic symptoms find a severe form.
According to various research conducted by eminent doctors, this EA is a subtype of normal allergic asthma. But, as the name suggests, it has a serious connection to eosinophil in our body. We know that eosinophils are a type of white blood cell whose job is to protect our body from all sorts of viruses and infections. In other words, it has the same function as any other white blood cell.
However, if the level of eosinophils is increased within one’s body, they may develop problems such as rashes, itching, inflammation in the respiratory system, etc. In addition, if a person has asthmatic tendencies, then this high level of eosinophil can cause severe EA.
That’s why, to know whether a patient has eosinophilic asthma or not, a doctor may suggest a physical test as well as a blood test, such as an eosinophils blood test. However, it’s not so easy to diagnose this EA. So, in this article, we shall provide some insights into why it’s difficult to diagnose and how exactly a doctor may realize that the patient does have EA.
Problems Of EA Diagnosis
First of all, severe eosinophilic asthma is not a common case at all. That’s why a lot of portion of this disease has remained cloudy. Moreover, the symptoms associated with EA are so uncannily close to normal allergic asthma symptoms. Therefore doctors have it tough to diagnose this disease.
The following symptoms are:
- Sinus infections
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Obstructed airflow
- Anosmia
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
So, we can see that the symptoms mentioned above are also seen in a patient who has normal allergic asthma. However, it’s also true that these symptoms find their severe form among the people of EA. Therefore, if the medicines prescribed are not working, then it’s time to call the doctors.
How To Diagnose
Well, after making an appointment with a doctor, they might talk to you about the symptoms. Once they have a sufficient amount of data, they may ask for a physical test. In addition to physical tests, they may also add an eosinophil cell count test as well.
One of the definite factors that may suggest whether a patient has EA or not is to do a blood test, such as eosinophils blood count. Of course, there are other blood tests too, but this one might give clarity. In this regard, easthma can also help a lot. So now, let’s explore the diagnosis process in detail.
Physical Test
Once a doctor has finished reviewing the symptoms, they will do a physical exam. They do it primarily to check the breathing and common conditions of eosinophilic asthma. For example, a physical test may show swelling in the nose and sinuses, middle ear infections, growth in the nose and sinuses, etc.
Blood Test
Apart from the physical tests, a doctor will measure the level of eosinophils. To do that, they will prescribe a blood test of eosinophils count. If the level of eosinophil is higher than the required amount, then you may have EA.
There are also tests like the Sputum induction test, bronchial biopsy, etc., that can clarify the eosinophilic asthma diagnosis. However, a normal eosinophil count test is sufficient in most cases.
Final Thoughts:
So, these were some of the foolproof ways eosinophilic asthma condition is diagnosed. Physical examinations, eosinophils blood test, bronchial biopsy, etc., are quite common and performed by numerous doctors across the globe.
