The body’s immune system is primarily responsible for preventing external parasites and infections from causing health complications. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that fights such diseases. However, an excessive number of eosinophils can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to asthma symptoms. This condition is called eosinophilic asthma, a subtype that requires ongoing medical care and flare-up prevention to prevent complications. Below one can learn how to manage eosinophilic asthma:

Prescription treatment
Pulmonologists (doctors specializing in respiratory care) usually prescribe a course of treatments that provide relief and prevent the discomfort associated with an asthma flare-up. To begin with, breathlessness is one of the main symptoms associated with eosinophilic asthma. Here, a course of anti-inflammatory prescription treatment can help maintain normal breathing and prevent the cells from releasing chemicals that trigger an asthma flare-up. Further, to address the inflammation and swelling of the airways, doctors may suggest prescription options that relax the muscles in the lungs and widen the airways, providing quick relief. Meanwhile, other prescription-based options can help prevent eosinophils from causing inflammation in the airways. Additionally, moderate symptoms of asthma can be treated with an intravenous treatment containing a prescription option that actively blocks chemicals triggering inflammation in the lungs.

Bronchial thermoplasty
This is a relatively new treatment option for treating severe asthma symptoms. If other methods do not work, then bronchial thermoplasty may be recommended. It involves the use of thermal heat instead of prescription treatment. Here, a special probe is used to shrink the smooth muscles (the ones that tighten during an asthma attack) in the lungs and open up the airway. This prevents muscles from constricting during a severe flare-up. This form of treatment provides moderate relief, making one feel better, but it has to be repeated multiple times for best results.

Lifestyle changes
Making a few lifestyle changes can help prevent flare-ups and improve lung health, making it easier to manage eosinophilic asthma. Here are a few changes to consider:

Practicing breathing exercises: Eosinophilic asthma can result in severe inflammation and make it difficult to breathe. Here, to supplement treatment, practicing simple breathing exercises can help open up the airways and facilitate easier breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing, nasal breathing, the Papworth method, Buteyko breathing, pursed lip breathing, and yoga breathing are some of the popular breathing techniques to consider. The exercises can supplement standard asthma treatment to make breathing easier over time.

Regular physical activity: Exercising helps improve circulation and breathing. Engaging in any form of physical activity every day can boost cardiovascular output, helping the heart and lungs perform at optimal capacity. Cardio exercises improve the lung’s ability to retain oxygen. Further, exercising opens up the airways and reduces inflammation in the nasal cavity. What’s more? Light to moderate physical activity can prevent cortisol levels from rising in the body as a result of stress, which is a common trigger for asthma symptoms.

Stress management: Prolonged periods of stress are generally harmful to the body and overall metabolism. Stress elevates cortisol levels in the body, increasing the risk of eosinophilic inflammation in the body. Trying simple mind and body relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga can help one lower stress levels. Further, getting adequate rest and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle can help lower stress levels, making one feel relaxed.

Food-based changes
Better food choices can also help standard eosinophilic asthma treatments work better. Here are a few changes to consider:

Avoiding caffeine: Caffeine is a major stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolates. Research suggests that caffeine is one of the active triggers of allergic asthma, and its excessive intake can result in a symptom flareup. For eosinophilic asthma, one should consider reducing their caffeine intake, especially when dealing with stress and irregular sleeping patterns, as caffeine disrupts sleep. While caffeine is a weak bronchodilator, its effects last for a short period, making it unsuitable for relieving asthma symptoms.

Adding nutrient-rich foods: Nutrition plays an important role in determining the outlook of living with chronic conditions. For asthma, in particular, certain foods and beverages can trigger flare-ups. So, one should consider switching to a daily food plan consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, and necessary supplements that help fight airway inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, helping reduce swelling in the lungs. However, any drastic changes in the food plan should be made only after consulting a nutritionist to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

One should discuss the risks and benefits of all management options with their doctor to choose suitable eosinophilic asthma treatments.