Eosinophilia - Overview, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment & Types

Overview

A condition known as eosinophilia occurs when more eosinophils are present than is typical. Eosinophils are just a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The most typical diagnoses for this illness are,

1. Malignancy.
2. Allergic reaction.
3. Parasite infection.

High quantities of eosinophils can be found in tissues around the location of an infection or inflammation or in your blood. Depending on the site, it can be either of the following types -

• Blood eosinophilia.
• Tissue eosinophilia.

Samples of specific fluids, such as mucus expelled from nasal tissues, or samples collected during an exploratory surgery may have tissue eosinophilia. The quantity of eosinophils in your plasma is probably standard if you have tissue eosinophilia.

A blood test can identify eosinophilia, typically as a component of a complete blood count. In adults, this condition is often defined as a blood count of 500 or more eosinophils per microliter. Hypereosinophilia or eosinophils high is defined as an eosinophil count of above 1,500 cells per microliter of blood which lasts for several months.

Symptoms of Eosinophilia

By secreting substances that directly kill infectious organisms and alert various white blood cells and proteins to travel to the infection site, eosinophils cause an inflammatory response. Excess eosinophils can circulate around the body or build up in specific organs like the skin, lungs, or intestines as a result of some medical diseases.

Eosinophilia has no obvious symptoms, especially when an infection is present. It can occasionally produce symptoms that are linked to the chemicals they emit. Some symptoms include -

• Itching.
• Rashes.
• Swelling.
• Diarrhea
• Congestion in the lungs.
• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Wheezing.

Types of Eosinophilia

Among the eosinophilic disorders are:

1. Eosinophilic cystitis is a condition of the bladder.
2. Eosinophilic fasciitis is a condition of the fascia, the tissue that runs through your body.
3. The condition known as eosinophilic pneumonia affects your lungs.
4. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) are illnesses that affect your colon, stomach, and small intestine.
5. Eosinophilic esophagitis affects your oesophagus.
6. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
7. Churg-Strauss syndrome is a condition that affects your heart, sinuses, lungs, and other organs.
8. Rare disorders known as hypereosinophilic syndrome are characterized by persistently elevated eosinophilia. The heart, central nervous system, skin, and respiratory system are the most common systems affected by this syndrome.

In rare cases, eosinophil low count may also result from certain causes. A low eosinophil count has no overt symptoms. Your doctor can suggest additional tests if the results of a blood test are abnormal and do not fall within the usual range. 

An absolute eosinophil count is a distinct blood test that may be performed if this occurs in a white blood cell differential test. If your doctor suspects you have a certain ailment, you might also get this test.

Causes of Eosinophilia

Your immune system uses eosinophils in two different ways -

1. Removing alien objects: Foreign chemicals can be consumed by eosinophils. For instance, they combat chemicals connected to parasite infection that your immune system has designated for eradication.
2. Controlling inflammation: Eosinophils aid in the promotion of inflammation, which is helpful in isolating and managing a disease site. However, excessive inflammation can occasionally result in chronic conditions or even tissue necrosis.

Eosinophilia occurs when your absolute eosinophil count is high. There are numerous causes for this, including:

• Fungus and parasitic illnesses.
• Allergic responses.
• Adrenal disorders.
• Skin conditions.
• Toxins.
• Immune system diseases.
• Abnormalities of the hormones.
• Tumours.

Blood or tissue eosinophilia can be brought on by a number of different illnesses - 

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
• Ascariasis.
• Asthma.
• Eczema.
• Cancer.
• Chugg-Strauss disease.
• Crohn's illness.
• Esophagitis.
• Hash fever.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Hypereosinophilia Syndrome.
• Filariasis of the lymph.
• Breast cancer.
• Primary immunosuppression.
• Roundworm trichinosis.

Treatment For Eosinophilia

Usually, a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential white blood cell count, which is a common blood test, reveals eosinophilia. Your doctor may do additional tests as necessary to determine the cause of your elevated eosinophil levels. 

The underlying ailment or problem that is producing eosinophil high counts is treated by healthcare professionals. For instance, 

1. Your doctor can recommend steroids or other drugs if you suffer from eosinophilic esophagitis. 
2. If you have chronic sinusitis or allergies that are the cause of high eosinophil levels, your doctor may advise allergy testing to identify the allergens. This can identify the allergens that led to the elevated levels of eosinophils. 
3. Your healthcare professional would typically advise stopping or avoiding medicine if it is contributing to eosinophilia. 
4. Your healthcare professional will deal with any infections if they exist. 
5. If blood cancer exists, it will be treated by your doctor.

Between 1% and 6% of eosinophils can be found in normal bone marrow, and 500 eosinophilic cells per microliter can be seen in peripheral blood.

A rise in eosinophil count above 500 cells per microliter is referred to as eosinophilia.

Tell your doctor what these findings suggest. The findings of additional testing and any indications of blood or tissue eosinophilia may help identify the illness's root cause. Additional tests to evaluate your condition can be recommended by your doctor. It is critical to ascertain any additional illnesses or problems you may suffer from. The eosinophilia will probably go away if you have a proper diagnosis and are able to undergo treatment for any associated illnesses or disorders.

In the event that you have hypereosinophilic syndrome, your doctor might advise taking drugs like corticosteroids. Additionally, he or she will keep an eye on your health because this condition could eventually lead to serious consequences.