How to Say It: eh-SIN-oh-feel-ia
Eosinophilia is a higher than normal number of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. These cells help protect the body from certain types of infections. They are also involved in allergic reactions.
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Causes may be:
This symptom is more common in people who have other family members who have it.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
Some people may not have symptoms. The symptoms a person will have depend on what is causing the eosinophilia. For example:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical may be done.
Initial tests may be:
Other tests that may be done depend on the problems you are having. This may involve:
The focus of care depends on the problems a person has. Corticosteroids may be given to ease inflammation. This will also lower the number of eosinophils.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
https://www.aaaai.org
American Society of Hematology
http://www.hematology.org
Allergy Asthma Information Association
http://aaia.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Eosinophilia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/eosinophilic-disorders/eosinophilia. Accessed October 23, 2020.
Eosinophilia. Patient website. Available at: https://patient.info/doctor/eosinophilia. Accessed October 23, 2020.
Eosinophilia—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/eosinophilia-approach-to-the-patient. Accessed October 23, 2020.
World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of WHO-defined eosinophilic disorders can be found in Am J Hematol 2017 Nov;92(11):1243.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD