Asthma and EGPA

[Madbiker1]

I was diagnosed with eosiniphilic asthma five years ago. Prior to this I had struggled for two years - GP's opinions ranged from COPD to heart failure.

I had been suffering from sinus problems as well as breathing issues - in fact I had nasal polyps removed.

Fast forward to 2022. I am on my third differnt biologic - xolair. I have tried mepo and benra without success. My feno and eosiniphils remain high. Only courses of prednisilone ( 50 mg a day) offer any relief.

I had complained earlier in the year of pins and needles on my feet but tests showed the nerves were ok. However, given my bodies resistance to biologics and the fact the high doses of steroid are the only thing that offer relief I am begining to wonder if it is asthma or in fact something like EGPA.

Has anybody had asthma which turned out to be a vasculitis?

[Poobah]

Have you been diagnosed with Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease? The symptoms are usually nasal polyps along with asthma and a sensitivity to NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen). Usually, the nasal polyps come along in adulthood and a while after an asthma diagnosis. It's not a widely known disease so can be difficult to control without targeted treatment. And symptoms can be exacerbated even though the patient avoids NSAIDs. Without the right treatment, symptoms can get progressively worse.

Details of symptoms, triggers, treatment, diet etc can be found here, samterssociety.org/symptoms

Resources: samterssociety.org/resources

Knowledge within the asthma community, including doctors, is patchy, so getting a definitive diagnosis can be a lottery. Your first port of call should be your asthma consultant.

[Wheesy in reply to Poobah]

I also have eosonophilic asthma along with heart/brain/ vascular disease,and sleep apnoea.All my consultants say that all of these problems are associated with mainly my sleep apnoea which causes me not to breath and may happen up to 30 times per night. What I am suggesting is that you request for the sleep apnoea test to be carried out. I use a CPAP machine every night which is of great value to me with my health problems. I have been delt these cards and get on with my life with the help from my fantastic wife relatives and friends and dont let things get me down. Hope that this epic helps in any way

[Grimlock88]

Sounds like AERD (Samter's Triad) - look it up & see if your symptoms align. God bless 🙏