Eosinophilia is the formation of an excessive number of eosinophils, which can be caused by allergic conditions, vasculitis, lung disease, and cirrhosis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Diagnosis involves blood tests, chest X-rays, and skin biopsies. Treatment may include corticosteroid medications.
Eosinophilia refers to the formation of excessively large numbers of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells, or white blood cells, produced in the bone marrow and found in the stomach lining and bloodstream. Typically, eosinophils contain certain proteins or substances that help the body fight infection. Some diseases, such as eosinophilic pneumonia, are usually caused by a large buildup of eosinophils in the lung tissue.
Generally, eosinophilia occurs in the presence of other medical conditions, such as allergic conditions. Some allergic conditions that can increase the incidence of eosinophilia include hay fever and asthma. Other causes may include vasculitis, lung disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. Occasionally, rare skin diseases and some cancers may contribute to the incidence of eosinophilia.
Typically, certain factors can increase the risk of developing eosinophilia. These risk factors can include, but are not limited to, side effects from prescription drugs, food allergies, and eczema. While these conditions can be risk factors for eosinophilia, most people who have them will not experience this condition. It may be prudent, however, to notify a doctor if the patient has risk factors, so that they can be observed for possible symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with eosinophilia can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Sometimes diarrhea and abdominal pain may be present. Rare manifestations of this condition can include night sweats, weight loss, and skin rashes. In general, patients experiencing these symptoms should not be assumed to have eosinophilia. More often than not, the symptoms are related to other, less disturbing medical conditions. While this condition is uncommon, patients are advised to let their doctor know if these symptoms occur.
Diagnosis may include blood tests to determine an excessive amount of eosinophils in the blood, chest X-ray, and skin biopsy. Typically, a skin biopsy is done to detect high concentrations of eosinophils in the skin tissue. Occasionally, bone marrow testing and CT scans of the abdomen and chest may also be ordered if symptoms present. If the general practitioner cannot reach a diagnosis, he or she may refer the patient to a hematologist. Hematologists are doctors who specialize in blood conditions.
Treatment for high levels of eosinophils may include corticosteroid medications. In general, corticosteroids are effective in managing allergic manifestations and in decreasing the amount of eosinophils in the bloodstream. These drugs can be given by inhalation, topically or by injection. Treating this condition with steroid medications can be effective in relieving symptoms, but corticosteroids can cause side effects. The benefits and risks should be discussed with a doctor.
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