asthma
Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma
Asthma is a common condition, with over 25 million people in the country dealing with a form of the disease. About 15% of them may experience severe asthma symptoms that are challenging to manage with standard treatments. Eosinophilic asthma is one of the top causes of severe asthma. This type is associated with high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils. Here is what one should know about the condition: Causes Eosinophilic asthma develops due to an elevated number of eosinophils, which are white blood cells that help the immune system fight infections. It is unclear what actually causes a surge in the eosinophil count. Some forms of asthma are triggered by allergic responses to common allergens like pet dander, mold, mildew, and pollen. However, this does not seem to cause eosinophilic asthma, as many people with the condition do not have any allergies. Experts believe that such an eosinophilic disorder can either develop both on its own as a primary disorder or as a reaction to another condition as a secondary disorder. Further, a spike in eosinophils can develop when the body is fighting against a parasitic infection. Nevertheless, more research is required to understand the exact causes. Symptoms Most symptoms associated with eosinophilic asthma are the same as those of other forms of asthma.