Home Immune system High eosinophils: what it Means, Causes Symptoms and Treatment

High eosinophils: what it Means, Causes Symptoms and Treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

White blood cells or leukocytes are responsible for defending our body. That is, they are part of our immune system. There are five types of leukocytes, and each one has different functions. Among them, we find eosinophils.

Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and help protect the body against parasitic diseases and infections. When these leukocytes are higher than expected in our blood, eosinophilia, the elevated levels of eosinophils count may occur in blood, a pathology known as blood eosinophilia, where there has been an inflammation or infection, known as tissue eosinophilia. In this FastlyHeal.com article, we explain the main causes of high eosinophils, the symptoms, and the steps you should take to ensure your well-being.

High Eosinophils: What Does It indicate

Eosinophils are one of the types of white blood cells that make up our immune system. Among the functions of these elements is the fact of fighting parasitic infections. Eosinophils are classified within granulocytes, a type of white blood cell made up of large granules.

These are among the leading and most common components of blood and tissues. In addition, we can also find them in the lymph nodes of different areas of the body, such as the genitalia, the respiratory tract, and the lymphatic system. Its life span is around four days, and it is constantly regenerating in the bone marrow.

But what do high eosinophils mean? The point is that eosinophils do not accumulate unless some condition affects the skin, lungs, or any other internal organ. In that case, they increase to be able to cope with the infection, increasing their levels in the areas where the infection is present.

Normal eosinophil values

The typical values of eosinophils may vary depending on the age of the patient:

  • Adults: between 0 and 500 / μL
  • Newborns and children: between 0 and 850 / μL

Suppose the analysis shows a higher count, which exceeds those of quite those levels. In that case, it could already be considered eosinophilia or high eosinophils count, of which in the next section, we explain the possible causes.

High eosinophils: causes

The high eosinophils in the blood indicate the increased production and release of eosinophils from the bone marrow. This is possibly caused as a response to the presence of allergies or parasites in our body since these leukocytes are active in a wide range of inflammatory problems. Its increase is the defense tool used by the body to protect us from these foreign agents.

Therefore, eosinophilia generally occurs in the presence of other medical conditions. The causes of high eosinophils can be:

  • Allergies of all kinds, from acute hives to lactose intolerance.
  • Autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus, psoriasis, among others.
  • Collagenosis such as sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis, etc.
  • Bacterial infections of any kind.
  • Parasitic infections.
  • Fungal infections
  • Dialysis.
  • Hemopathies that is blood conditions such as chronic myeloid leukemia or polycythemia vera.
  • Various poisonings.
  • Cholesterol embolism causes a transient increase in these white blood cells.
  • Prescription drug side effects.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma.

Even when these factors are present and the risk of developing high levels of eosinophils increases, it does not necessarily mean that the person will build eosinophilia since it is not a very common condition. However, it is advisable to go to the doctor for a review and determine the causes of this condition.

Symptoms of high eosinophils

The most common symptoms when high eosinophils or eosinophilia are:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Whistling when breathing.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Diarrhea.

Other symptoms of high eosinophil values, although less common than the ones we have just explained, are:

  • Weightloss.
  • Night sweats.

However, you must be aware that you have any of these symptoms does not refer to the fact that eosinophils are at high levels in our body, as these signs could correspond to various diseases. For this reason, it is always necessary to consult with a doctor.

High eosinophils: treatment

It is important to emphasize that you should go to your doctor, comment on the symptoms you have observed, and do the tests indicated by the specialist. With a simple skin or blood test, specific allergies and infections can be identified.

To control the production of eosinophils, treatment will be directed at addressing the underlying cause of the disease once the doctor identifies it. Likewise, medications, herbal supplements, and diet will depend on the diagnosed cause.

Perform the treatment that the specialist recommends. Suppose you don’t carry it out as directed. In that case, eosinophils may not decrease and accumulate in the heart and other organs, resulting in other conditions such as nerve damage, lung problems, and heart failure.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to High Eosinophils: what it means, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Immune System category.

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