Knowing the symptoms of eosinophilic asthma can help you determine if you or someone you know has this condition. Symptoms associated with HES may include: The tissues generally affected by HES include the lungs, heart, skin, and nervous system. When eosinophil numbers reach excessive levels, a collection of symptoms known as hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) can result. The term eosinophilia is used to describe elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood or tissues. Many eosinophilic asthma symptoms are related to high numbers of eosinophils. People with eosinophilic asthma may require a quick-acting rescue inhaler during an asthma attack or may need to seek emergency medical services. The muscles surrounding the airway may also contract, causing the airway to narrow. The lung airways become even more swollen and inflamed. Asthma AttacksĪn asthma attack, or asthma exacerbation, can happen when a sudden onset and worsening of symptoms occur. Nasal polyps may occur with eosinophilic asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal polyps can vary in size, and larger polyps may be associated with symptoms such as difficulty breathing and loss of smell. Nasal polyps are benign growths in the nasal passages or sinuses that may develop with chronic inflammation. Some studies suggest chronic rhinosinusitis may be linked to eosinophil activity, and it’s possible that rhinitis and eosinophilic asthma have a shared cause. Rhinosinusitis is characterized by facial pain and pressure, lack of smell, congested nasal passages, and a runny nose. Chronic RhinosinusitisĬhronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the sinuses. Eosinophilic asthma can sometimes be mistaken for COPD. Lung function changes seen in eosinophilic asthma are similar to those in chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Thickened basement membranes can cause reduced lung function and poor airflow. When left untreated, inflammation and damage to the lungs caused by eosinophilic asthma can lead to permanent thickening of basement membranes in the lungs. Once asthma is well controlled, lung function tests should become normal. Many people with asthma will have abnormal lung function when their asthma is poorly controlled. Chest tightness may make it hard to take deep breaths and could even cause sharp pain. Some researchers believe it has to do with the chest muscles, while others have suggested it has to do with the stimulation of the airway while breathing. There is some debate over where these sensations originate. Some people say it feels like having a heavy weight on their chest, while others describe it as a dull pain or a sharp, piercing feeling. People with all types of asthma may experience tightness in the chest, which can manifest in several ways. Stress, exercise, weather conditions, infections, fragrances, air pollution, and smoke are common irritants that can cause asthma symptoms. But most individuals with eosinophilic asthma aren’t as sensitive to allergens and are often triggered by irritants. For allergic asthma, cough triggers are often allergens like pet dander and pollen. Asthma makes the lungs more sensitive to irritants or allergens, which can lead to coughing. CoughingĬoughing is a common symptom for all forms of asthma. If the wheezing is severe, they could have a bluish tint to their skin. People who are wheezing may have rapid, difficult breathing patterns. Wheezing is due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which produces a high-pitched sound while breathing in and out. Therefore, people with eosinophilic asthma may experience serious symptoms like shortness of breath.Īlthough shortness of breath can be one of the predominant symptoms for individuals with eosinophilic asthma, wheezing is also common. But with eosinophilic asthma, the entire respiratory system - from the sinuses to the deepest part of the lungs - can become inflamed and obstructed. This can lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing. In most types of asthma, the airways within the lungs become swollen and obstructed with mucus and fluid. Read more about the causes and diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma. Eosinophils promote inflammation, which results in the tissue damage, mucus production, and hyperresponsive airways that lead to the symptoms of eosinophilic asthma. Although eosinophilic asthma symptoms can differ from one person to the next, it’s important to know what to look for when it comes to this condition.Įosinophilic asthma is characterized by high levels of white blood cells known as eosinophils in the blood and lungs. Eosinophilic asthma is a severe form of asthma that may cause frequent and intense asthma attacks.

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