Eosinophils Definition

Allergic disorders, inflammation of the skin and parasitic infections are fought off by eosinophils, types of white blood cells that exist in your body, according to Medline Plus. According to the Merck Online Medical Library, "In the U.S., allergic or atopic diseases are the most common causes; the most common conditions are respiratory and skin diseases" of eosinophilia.

Facts

• An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that fights specific conditions caused by bacteria and parasites in your body. In a healthy adult, eosinophils range from none to 450. Eosinophils are created in the bone marrow, along with other white and red blood cells; but are often found outside the blood vessels in other organs, according to Dr. Margaret Collins, author of "What is an Eosinophil?" Eosinophils only circulate a short time outside the bone marrow, with about half moving into other tissue.

Function

• The precise function of eosinophils is unknown. However, the majority of eosinophils are found in the gastrointestinal tract and kill off parasites and other microbes. When the bowel, or gastrointestinal tract, contains parasites that are too large to be killed, eosinophils attach to the parasite's surface. Then, eosinophils' granules are extended with substances that kill off the parasite. Allergies, cow's milk intolerance and gluten sensitivity also activate eosinophils within the bowel. Some bone marrow disorders and infections may also increase eosinophil count.

Identification

• Eosinophils are leukocytes, a form of white blood cells, that contain coarse round granules of uniform size within their cytoplasm and usually have a two-lobed nucleus, according to MedicineNet.com. When the dye eosin is added, the granules stain red. Eosinophil granules contain proteins that are toxic to several parasites.

Related Conditions

• An abnormal eosinophil count confirms a diagnosis associated with allergic diseases and parasitic infections, including worms. A high eosinophil count may be attributed to asthma, autoimmune diseases, eczema, hay fever and leukemia. A low count may be caused by alcohol intoxication or overproduction of certain steroids in the body, like cortisol, according to Medline Plus. Abnormal counts can also confirm a diagnosis of Cushing's disease in its early stages, Hodgkin's disease and cancer.

Treatment

• Treatment focuses on eliminating the cause for the abnormal eosinophil count. Antibiotics are prescribed for parasites. Diet changes often eliminate specific foods that cause allergic disorders or intolerances. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed if identifying the specific cause of the allergy is not possible or there are many allergies. When no underlying causes can be identified, a diagnosis of eosinophilia may be given, and you will be monitored for complications. You may also be treated with low-dose corticosteroids if there is persistent organ dysfunction.