Symptoms of eosinophilia can be mild to severe, and often are related to an underlying medical condition. This condition can be caused by allergies, asthma, or even cancer. The condition can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you have eosinophilia, your doctor may recommend testing for allergies to determine the cause.
Eosinophils are part of the white blood cells and play an important role in the immune system. They signal other white blood cells to the site of an infection and release chemicals that destroy the infectious organism. In addition, eosinophils can be overproduced when a person is allergic to certain foods, causing an allergic reaction. In addition, certain medications can increase eosinophils. Eosinophils are also part of the basophils, a type of white blood cell. In some cases, eosinophils can increase as a result of hormone imbalances, such as in women who are pregnant. Other conditions may cause eosinophilia as well, including infections and autoimmune disorders. The presence of eosinophils may lead to inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues and organs.
A complete blood count is a common way to determine whether you have eosinophilia. This is done by collecting a sample of your blood and looking at it under a microscope. Symptoms of eosinophilia include a fever, rash, weight loss, and night sweats. Your doctor will order other tests to see if there is an underlying condition. Some cancers, such as lymphoma, can be detected by a complete blood count.
Allergies and asthma are the most common causes of eosinophilia. Other diseases that increase eosinophils include autoimmune diseases, parasite infections, and certain types of cancer. If you have eosinophilia, you should seek medical care immediately.
Eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition that affects the esophagus, may require steroids and other medications to treat. In addition, the condition can cause narrowing of the esophagus. It can also cause abnormal tissue rings along the esophagus. Other conditions that cause eosinophilia include parasitic infections, such as ascariasis and trichinosis. These infections can be found throughout the world.
Other types of cancers can also cause eosinophilia, including ovarian cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. In addition, a patient who has eosinophilia may be more prone to untoward drug reactions. Medications such as steroids and myelosuppressive agents are used to reduce inflammation. In addition, a bone marrow transplant may be used to treat eosinophilia.
In addition to allergies and asthma, other causes of eosinophilia may include certain medications. For example, antibiotics can increase eosinophils. In addition, certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells. If you take any medication, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and whether you should stop taking the medication. In addition, it may be a good idea to talk with your doctor about avoiding medications that can cause eosinophilia.
When eosinophilia is present, it can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. You may also experience chest pain and shortness of breath. In addition, you may have difficulty breathing while exerting yourself. You may also develop a rash or itch.
