New Nasal Swab Test Identifies Asthma Subtypes in Children

The innovative test offers a non-invasive way to diagnose asthma endotypes, potentially leading to more personalized treatments for children, especially in underserved communities.

• Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a nasal swab test to accurately diagnose asthma subtypes, or endotypes, in children.
• The test identifies three asthma subtypes: T2-high, T17-high, and low-low, based on immune system activity, without requiring invasive procedures like bronchoscopy.
• The study, published in JAMA, focused on Puerto Rican and African American children, who face higher asthma rates and mortality than other groups in the U.S.
• While treatments for T2-high asthma exist, the test could accelerate the development of therapies for T17-high and low-low subtypes, which currently lack targeted medications.
• Experts caution that while promising, the test requires further research, FDA approval, and cost reductions before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings.

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