Summary

A new nasal swab test developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh can identify different asthma subtypes by sequencing RNA, offering a more precise diagnostic tool than current methods.

Tested on over 450 predominantly Black and Puerto Rican children, the study found “T2-low” asthma, linked to air pollution, was most common.

The test could eventually guide personalized treatments, particularly for underrepresented groups.

However, FDA approval and further research are needed before clinical use, as challenges include cost, specialized analysis, and understanding how asthma types evolve over time.