Eosinophilia Symptoms and Treatments

Eosinophilia Symptoms: Early Signs, Causes & Treatment Options

Eosinophilia is a medical condition defined by an increased number of eosinophils, which are white blood cells that help the body respond to infections and manage inflammation. However, when eosinophil levels become excessively high, it may point to an underlying health issue.

Keep reading this guide to understand the eosinophilia symptoms and treatment methods. Additionally, learn its causes, prevention methods, and other crucial details.

What is Eosinophilia?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in defending the body against illness. While their exact function is not fully understood, they are commonly associated with allergic reactions and specific types of infections. These cells originate in the bone marrow and are later distributed to different tissues across the body.

In your immune system, eosinophils serve two main purposes: they help control infections and trigger inflammation, which supports the body's efforts to fight off disease.

What are the Types of Eosinophilia?

Eosinophilia can be classified into two main types:

1. Blood Eosinophilia: It indicates an increased concentration of eosinophils circulating in the blood. This condition is usually identified through a CBC (complete blood count) test. In adults, eosinophilia is generally defined as having more than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood.
   
   If the eosinophil count rises above 1500 per microliter and remains elevated for several months, it is classified as hypereosinophilia.
    
2. Tissue Eosinophilia: It is defined by a heightened presence of eosinophils within certain tissues, most often found in regions affected by infection or inflammation. Diagnosis often requires sampling bodily fluids such as nasal mucus. In cases of tissue eosinophilia, the blood eosinophil count may remain within normal limits.

What are the Symptoms of Eosinophilia?

An early indicator of eosinophilia is an elevated eosinophil count in the blood. When the increase is mild, certain eosinophilia symptoms may begin to appear, including:

• Persistent itching
• Skin rashes
• Nasal discharge related to allergic reactions
• Diarrhea
• Asthma symptoms
• Chronic coughing
   

As eosinophil levels rise further, additional symptoms of eosinophilia may develop, such as persistent fatigue and issues related to the gastrointestinal system. Diarrhoea and fungal infections rarely cause eosinophilia, except in specific conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Identifying and responding to these symptoms promptly is crucial for ensuring timely medical care.

What are the Causes of Eosinophilia?

Eosinophilia, defined by an increased number of eosinophils in the bloodstream, can result from a range of underlying conditions, including:

• Allergic Responses: Elevated eosinophil levels may develop due to allergic reactions triggered by specific foods, medications, or environmental allergens.
• Parasitic Infections: Infections caused by parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms are known to provoke an eosinophilic response in the body.
• Asthma: Individuals with severe forms of asthma may experience higher eosinophil counts as part of the inflammatory process affecting the airways.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly called Churg-Strauss syndrome) are also linked to increased eosinophils.
• Dermatological Conditions: Skin disorders, including eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis, have been associated with eosinophilia.
• Certain Malignancies: Eosinophilia may be seen in certain hematologic malignancies such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and eosinophilic leukemia, but it is not a common feature of most cancers

How is Eosinophilia Diagnosed and Tested?

Eosinophilia is often identified during a routine complete blood count (CBC) that includes a differential white blood cell analysis. This test measures the number of eosinophils present in the bloodstream.

If the results show elevated eosinophil levels, additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended based on the individual’s clinical presentation. Further testing can help determine the underlying cause of the increase and may include stool tests for parasites, imaging studies, tissue biopsies, or allergy testing, depending on the suspected condition.

What Can Happen if the Eosinophil Count is High?

An elevated eosinophil count can cause inflammation and swelling throughout the body, a condition referred to as an eosinophilic disorder or hypereosinophilic syndrome. These disorders can impact multiple organ systems. Some of the commonly known eosinophilic conditions include:

• Eosinophilic Fasciitis: A condition that involves the connective tissue, particularly targeting the fascia, the thin layer situated directly under the skin.
• Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs): These occur when eosinophilic inflammation affects parts of the digestive tract, such as the oesophagus, small intestine, colon, or large intestine. One form, eosinophilic esophagitis, primarily impacts the oesophagus.
• Eosinophilic Cystitis: A rare condition in which eosinophils infiltrate the bladder wall, leading to inflammation.
• Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A pulmonary condition where eosinophils accumulate in the lungs, causing respiratory issues.
• Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES): Characterised by persistently high levels of eosinophils, this syndrome can damage vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and nervous system.
   

What are the Treatment Options for Eosinophilia?

Treatment for eosinophilia focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the elevated eosinophil count. If a particular medication is identified as the cause, discontinuation of the drug is often advised. When infections or cancers are responsible, appropriate antimicrobial or oncological therapies are administered.

Just as diagnostic procedures vary depending on the suspected cause, treatment strategies also differ according to the severity and origin of eosinophilia. Common treatment approaches may include:

• Use of anti-parasitic drugs for eosinophilia resulting from parasitic infections.
• Ongoing observation for mild eosinophilia, with periodic blood tests to monitor changes in eosinophil levels.
• Withdrawal of medications that are suspected to influence eosinophil counts.
• Prescription of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for managing hypereosinophilic syndromes or other severe forms of eosinophilia.
• Intensified management plans for conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergic disorders.
  
   

How to Prevent Eosinophilia?

While eosinophilia caused by allergic reactions can often be prevented through effective management of allergies, there are instances where it may be a symptom of an underlying condition that is not always avoidable.

However, several precautionary practices can help lower the risk of developing eosinophilia:

• Practising good personal hygiene to minimise exposure to infections
• Avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, freshwater seafood like prawns, and other organisms such as snails or slugs that may carry parasites
• Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables to remove any possible parasites or contaminants.
• Steering clear of medications known to trigger allergic responses
• Maintaining a clean, dust-free living environment to reduce exposure to allergens
   

Taking these preventive steps can be beneficial in minimising the chances of developing eosinophilia, especially when linked to infections or allergic reactions.

Eosinophilia is a condition that signals an imbalance in the body’s immune response and can be linked to various underlying health issues ranging from allergies and infections to more serious disorders. Prompt identification of eosinophilia symptoms, proper diagnosis, and swift medical intervention are key to managing the condition successfully. Taking preventive measures such as maintaining hygiene, avoiding allergens, and following medical guidance can significantly reduce the risk.