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Eosinophilia

Eosinophilia is a condition in which the level of eosinophils in a patient's blood or tissues elevates to deleterious levels. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell which is manufactured in the bone marrow and normally found in the blood stream and lining of the gut. The job of the eosinophils is to ingest foreign cells and bacteria, immobilize and kill bacteria, and destroy cancer cells. They also participate in allergic reactions. When too many of these cells are produced, a patient may develop eosinophilia, which can cause significant damage to the affected tissues.

There are many possible causes of eosinophilia. Parasitic reaction is the most common cause of eosinophilia worldwide, though it is less common in the United States. Asthma and hay fever many be caused of eosinophilia. In more rare cases, vasculitis, skin conditions, tumors, liver cirrhosis, and lung disease can also cause eosinophilia. In some cases, the cause of eosinophilia is unknown, a condition called hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) which can cause serious damage to the heart and other organs.

Another major cause of eosinophilia is allergic reaction to medication. A person is most likely to develop eosinophilia from a drug reaction shortly after beginning their treatment, usually two to six weeks after beginning the medication. There are a number of drugs which may cause eosinophilia. The following is an inconclusive list of drugs which can cause this disease: antibiotics (i.e. penicillin), NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Celebrex and naproxen), contraceptives, amphetamines (appetite suppressants), tranquilizers, laxatives containing psyllium, anti-malarials, ACE inhibitors, anticonvulsants, and tryptophan. Drug-related eosinophilia is often called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms or DRESS.

The symptoms of eosinophilia often depend on the underlying condition. For example, asthma-related eosinophilia may cause wheezing, difficult breathing, and similar lung symptoms. Eosinophilia caused by parasitic infection may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, cough, and rash. Drug-induced eosinophilia often begins with a fever. A widespread skin rash typically follows soon after the initial symptoms. A patient may experience symptoms localized to a specific body area or organ. Swelling, night sweats, weight loss, numbness, and lymph node enlargement are also possible symptoms of eosinophilia.

There are a number of medical tests which can be performed to diagnose eosinophilia. A simple blood test can diagnose eosinophilia of the blood. Eosinophilia of the tissues can be diagnosed through an examination of the tissues, such as a biopsy. Additional tests can also be performed to confirm or rule out an eosinophilia diagnosis. Once eosinophilia has been diagnosed and the cause has been identified, a patient may be treated with corticosteroids to reduce and control the levels of eosinophils in the body. If the eosinophilia was caused by drug reaction, discontinuing the medication, as directed by a physician, typically resolves the condition. It is important before terminating any medical treatment, to first speak with your doctor. Complications of eosinophilia are rare, but can be serious.

 

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