EosinophiliaPronounced: eh-SIN-oh-feel-ia
by
Beth Walsh, MA DefinitionEosinophils are a type of white blood cell. They help protect the body from certain types of infections. They’re also involved in allergic reactions. Eosinophils are made in the bone. They move through the body in the blood. Eosinophilia is a high number of this cell type. High levels may be found anywhere in the body. There are 3 types:
Causes TOPCauses of eosinophilia:
The cause differs based on the type:
Sometimes the cause is unknown. Risk Factors TOPPeople in your family with the same problems make your chances of the familial type higher. Your chances of the other types are higher if you have:
Symptoms TOPSome people may not have symptoms. In those that have them, they depend on the underlying cause: Rarely, these may happen:
Diagnosis TOPThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may have:
Tests depend on the problems you have. They may focus on where problems are such as the heart or lungs. This may involve: Treatment TOPThe focus of care depends on the problems you’re having. If the cause is unknown, care may involve medicines. Corticosteroids will ease inflammation. They will also lower the number of eosinophils. These medicines come in different forms. Prevention TOPIf you are at high risk for eosinophilia, your doctor will watch you for any changes. RESOURCES:American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology https://www.aaaai.org American Society of Hematology http://www.hematology.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Allergy Asthma Information Association http://aaia.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Eosinophilia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/eosinophilic-disorders/eosinophilia. Updated November 2016. Accessed July 13, 2018. Eosinophilia. Patient website. Available at:
https://patient.info/doctor/eosinophilia. Updated March 12, 2014. Accessed July 13, 2018.
Eosinophilia—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed July 13, 2018.
Tefferi A. Blood eosinophilia: a new paradigm in disease classification, diagnosis, and treatment..
Mayo Clin Proc.
2005;80(1):75-83. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 7/13/2018 | |
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