Eosinophilia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of eosinophils in the blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell crucial to the body's immune response, primarily defending against parasites, allergens, and certain bacteria. A normal eosinophil count makes up less than 5% of all white blood cells. When this percentage increases significantly, it indicates eosinophilia.
Understanding Eosinophils and their Role
Eosinophils are granulocytes, a type of white blood cell containing granules in their cytoplasm. These granules contain substances that help combat infections and inflammation. Their key functions include:
- Parasite defense: Eosinophils are particularly effective at fighting parasitic infections. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^9]
- Allergic reactions: They play a significant role in allergic responses. [^3, ^4]
- Asthma: Eosinophils are involved in the inflammatory process associated with asthma. [^3]
The absolute eosinophil count, a blood test, measures the precise number of eosinophils present. [^6] An elevated count signals eosinophilia.
Causes of Eosinophilia
Several factors can trigger eosinophilia. These include:
- Parasitic infections: Infections caused by parasites are a common cause. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^9]
- Allergies and asthma: Allergic reactions and asthma can lead to increased eosinophil production. [^3, ^4, ^8]
- Certain cancers: Some types of cancer can be associated with eosinophilia.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis, where eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus, exemplify autoimmune-related eosinophilia. [^7]
- Medication side effects: Some drugs can cause eosinophilia as a side effect.
Diagnosing and Treating Eosinophilia
Diagnosing eosinophilia involves a blood test to determine the absolute eosinophil count. Further investigations, such as allergy testing or imaging studies, might be necessary to pinpoint the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause of the elevated eosinophil count. This may involve antiparasitic medications for infections, allergy management for allergic conditions, or other treatments depending on the underlying cause.
[^1]: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that protect your body from parasites, allergens, foreign bacteria and outside organisms. (Source: Multiple sources including Cleveland Clinic and Medical News Today)
[^2]: Eosinophils are one of several white blood cells that support your immune system. They're part of your body's defense system against allergens and help protect… (Source: Cleveland Clinic)
[^3]: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in the body's response to allergic reactions, asthma, and infection with parasites. (Source: Merck Manual)
[^4]: Jul 5, 2022 ... Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that protect your body from parasites, allergens, foreign bacteria and outside organisms. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)
[^6]: An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. (Source: Mount Sinai)
[^7]: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease in which eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) build up in your esophagus. (Source: MedlinePlus)
[^8]: Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells that curb infection and boost inflammation. If you have too many, it's called eosinophilia. (Source: WebMD)
[^9]: The evidence reviewed here indicates that the eosinophil has the ability to kill many species of helminths and likely does so during worm infection. (Source: PubMed)
