An eosinophil count is a blood test that determines the level of eosinophils in the body. Abnormal eosinophil levels are generally part of a routine complete blood count (CBC) test. Eosinophils are a type of cell that plays a role in the immune system. Produced in the bone marrow, eosinophils are stored in the body’s tissues. In adults, a normal blood test result is less than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood. In children, eosinophil levels vary depending on age.
An eosinophil is defined as a type of white blood cell. Eosinophils are stored in the body’s tissues and have a lifespan of several weeks. However, it has been observed that eosinophil (EOS) levels increase significantly in allergic conditions and certain infectious diseases. While eosinophils contribute to the body’s defense against infectious diseases, they also cause an increase in inflammation. Furthermore, eosinophils play an effective role in the body’s defense against various parasites. A significant rise in eosinophil levels can cause problems within the body’s own structures, paving the way for the development of autoimmune conditions. In chronic allergic and autoimmune disorders, corticosteroids may be used to suppress eosinophils in order to prevent this situation.
What Is a Low Eosinophil Count?
There is no specific medical term for a low eosinophil count. On the contrary, a low EOS level in the blood is desirable for healthy individuals. In some cases, however, a low eosinophil count may be viewed by a specialist as an adverse condition. This condition is referred to as eosinopenia. The causes of a low eosinophil count can be listed as follows:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive stress
- Long-term use of birth control pills
- Use of various hormone-regulating medications
- Excessive cortisol production in the body
- Kidney and liver disorders, as well as certain other chronic conditions
In some cases, slight fluctuations in blood counts may be considered normal based on the medications being taken or the individual’s overall health. Conversely, in some patients, even a slight increase in the EOS ratio must be taken seriously. For this reason, all patients who undergo a complete blood count (CBC) test should share their results with a specialist and proceed based on that specialist’s evaluation.
What Is an Elevated Eosinophil Count?
An elevated EOS value indicates that the eosinophil count in the blood may have increased for any reason. This condition is also referred to as eosinophilia. An increase in the EOS level can result from various conditions. The causes of elevated eosinophil levels can be listed as follows:
- Allergic conditions
- Infectious diseases
- Asthma
- Crohn’s disease
- Various types of cancer
- Celiac disease
Certain medications can have side effects. As a result, the EOS count may increase. Therefore, when reviewing the results, the medications the patient is taking must be thoroughly documented. An EOS level higher than normal can affect various aspects of health. An increase in allergic reactions, the body attacking its own tissues, and a weakened immune system are just a few of the factors that can contribute to this condition. Mild increases, in particular, are considered normal or may require monitoring at specific intervals. In cases of a significant increase in EOS levels, the cause must be investigated through further observations as recommended by a specialist.
Normal Eosinophil Levels
In patients with elevated EOS levels, the underlying health issues must first be addressed to bring the values back to normal. A detailed review of the patient’s medical history to identify existing conditions may help explain some cases of elevated EOS. Additionally, the medications the patient is taking must be taken into account. In cases of eosinophilia caused by allergic conditions, treatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids helps restore blood count levels to normal. In cases where an increase in eosinophil levels is observed to be caused by an infection, the type of microorganism and the site of infection must be identified. Once the underlying cause of the infection is determined, eosinophil levels may return to normal with the use of medications such as antibiotics or antivirals. Elevated EOS levels can sometimes be a sign of more serious conditions. They may also stem from underlying diseases. In such cases, a separate treatment approach may be implemented following the diagnosis of the underlying health issue.
If your blood test results show an increase or decrease in EOS levels, you should consult your doctor. If your doctor deems it necessary, he may order further diagnostic tests.
