Eosinophilia is a condition where your body produces too many eosinophils. These are a type of white blood cell that helps your immune system fight off infections and parasites. Often, people discover they have eosinophilia through routine blood tests. A high eosinophil count isn't usually a cause for concern, but it can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Parasites: Eosinophils are particularly effective against parasitic infections.
- Allergies: Allergic disorders often have increased eosinophil levels.
- Medicinal allergies: Reactions to certain medications can lead to eosinophilia.
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome: This rare condition involves an excessively high number of eosinophils, potentially causing organ damage.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: This condition involves an accumulation of eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and other symptoms.
If you have eosinophilia, your doctor may recommend further testing to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
