About High Levels of ABS Eosinophils

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells. They play important roles in parasite defense reactions, allergic responses, tissue inflammation and immune regulation. When a stain (eosin) is applied to blood smeared on a slide, these cells display orange-red granules. They can be counted under the microscope. In adults, eosinophilia is diagnosed when the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood (absolute eosinophil count, or ABS eosinophils) exceeds 500 per microliter. Allergic reactions or parasitic infections are the most common causes.

Parasitic Diseases

• Parasitic (worm) infections such as ascariasis, filariasis and trichinosis lead to high levels of eosinophils. The pattern and degree of eosinophilia depend on the worm’s migration and distribution, as well as the host’s immune response.

Asthma and Allergies

• Conditions such as asthma, hay fever and atopic dermatitis (eczema) are associated with eosinophilia.

Neoplastic Diseases

• Leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors such as stomach, lung or bladder cancer can manifest with increased peripheral eosinophils.

Other Causes

• Additional causes of high eosinophil levels are multiple, less common conditions affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, joints, lungs, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Drugs that can cause an increase in peripheral eosinophils include amphetamines, laxatives containing psyllium, certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, interferon and tranquilizers.

Tips

• For an accurate assessment of what caused your eosinophilia, you should work with a health care professional.
  Eosinophilia in itself does not cause symptoms. Patients with very severe eosinophilia, however, may develop complications related to the high number of circulating white blood cells.