What is eosinophilia?
Eosinophilia refers to the formation of excessively high amounts of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells or WBCs that are produced in the bone marrow and are located in the lining of the stomach and bloodstream. Eosinophils usually contain certain proteins or substances that help the body to fight infection. Some diseases such as eosinophilic pneumonia are generally caused by great accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissue. Some allergic conditions that may increase the occurrence of eosinophilia include hay fever and asthma. Other causes may include vasculitis, lung disease and liver cirrhosis. Rare skin disorders and certain tumors can occasionally contribute to the incidence of eosinophilia.
Usually certain factors may increase the risk of eosinophilia. These risk factors may include, but are not limited to the side effects of prescription drugs, food allergies and eczema. Although these conditions may be risk factors for eosinophilia, most of the individuals who have them will not experience this. MHowever, it can be wise to notify the doctor if the patient has any risk factors, so it can be observed from possible symptoms.
common symptoms associated with eosinophilia may include shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. Sometimes diarrhea and abdominal pain may be present. Rare manifestations of this condition may include night sweat, weight loss and rashes. In general, it should not be assumed that patients who experience these symptoms have eosinophilia. Most of the time symptoms relate to other, less ominous health. Although this condition is not common, patients are advised to announce their doctor if these symptoms occur.
diagnosis may include blood tests to determine sheep abundance of eosinophil in blood, chest X -ray and skin biopsy. Usually, skin biopsy is performed to detect high concentrations of eosinophils in skin tissue. Occasionally you can order bone marrow testing and CT scan abdomen andchest, if symptoms represent themselves. If the general physician does not diagnose, he may give the patient to the hematologist. Hematologists are doctors who specialize in blood conditions.
Treatment of high levels of eosinophils may include corticosteroid drugs. In general, corticosteroids are effective in controlling allergic manifestations and reducing the amount of eosinophils in the bloodstream. These drugs can be supplied by inhalation, locally or injections. Treatment of this condition of steroid drugs can be effective in alleviating symptoms, but corticosteroids can cause side effects. The benefits and risks should be discussed with a doctor.