Eosinophilia: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Eosinophilia?

Eosinophils (acidophils) are a type of white blood cells (leukocytes) created in the bone marrow and are found in the bloodstream and the gut lining. They are part of the body’s immune system, i.e. the defense mechanism against parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections.
Eosinophilia is the medical term that describes the formation and accumulation of an abnormally high number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood or body tissues.
An eosinophil count over 400-450 per microL of whole blood is considered high. In severe forms of eosinophilia, the number of eosinophils can be as high as 5,000 cells.
There are several types of eosinophilia including:
  • Familial eosinophilia– caused by problems in genes that control eosinophil growth
  • Secondary eosinophilia– related to a parasitic infection, autoimmune reaction, allergic, or other inflammatory illnesses
  • Primary eosinophilia– change in production of eosinophils associated with certain leukemias or chronic myeloid disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome
 

Diagnosis

Eosinophilia in the bloodstream is diagnosed from a simple an Eosinophil count test is performed as part of a CBC (complete blood count). Tissue Eosinophilia is diagnosed by the examination of the relevant tissue (skin biopsy). Further testing may include CT scans, X-rays, liver function tests, serological exams, stool analysis, and urinalysis.

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1. What is eosinophilia?
Eosinophilia is the medical term that describes the formation and accumulation of an abnormally high number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood or body tissues. Eosinophils (a.k.a. acidophils) are a type of white blood cells (leukocytes) created in the bone marrow and are found in the bloodstream and the gut lining. They are part of the body’s immune system, i.e. the defense mechanism against parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections. An eosinophil count over 400-450 per microL of whole blood is considered high. In severe forms of eosinophilia, the number of eosinophils can be as high as 5,000 cells.

Q2. When do I know if I am suffering from eosinophilia? 
Fever, fatigue, cough, edema, shortness of breath, central nervous system dysfunction, muscle aches, itching, abdominal pain, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, and rheumatologic findings are the symptoms of eosinophilia.

Q3. Why does eosinophilia happen? 
The exact causative mechanisms of eosinophilia remain largely unclear. Many cases of eosinophilia are termed “idiopathic”, which means “of unknown origin”.
Eosinophilia may be caused by an illness to a specific area or an overproduction of these cells. The cause will vary based on the type of eosinophilia. Causes include:
Allergy diseases, such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis
Diseases from parasitic worms

Q4. What is eosinopenia?
Eosinopenia occurs with stress, such as acute bacterial infection, and after treatment with glucocorticoids. There is no known adverse effect of eosinopenia.

Q5. What are the complications?
The bone marrow is involved in all affected individuals, but the most severe complications involve the heart and central nervous system. Clinical manifestations and organ dysfunction are highly variable. In the heart, the pathologic changes lead to thrombosis, endocardial fibrosis, and restrictive endomyocardiopathy. The damage to tissues in other organ systems is similar.

 
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