Eosinophil count is a blood test that detects the proportion of eosinophils in the body. Abnormal eosinophil values are usually part of a routine complete blood count (CBC) test. Eosinophils are a type of cell involved in the immune system. Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and stored in tissues throughout the body. In adults, a non-abnormal blood sample reading is less than 500 eosinophil cells per microliter of blood. In children, eosinophil levels vary with age.
An eosinophil is defined as a type of white blood cell. In the body, eosinophils are stored in tissues and survive for a few weeks. However, it has been observed that EOS rates are clearly increased in allergy disorders and some microbial disorders. Eosinophils, which contribute to the fight against microbial disorders, cause inflammation to increase. However, eosinophils are also effective in protecting the body against different parasites. A significant increase in the eosinophil ratio also causes problems in the body's own structures, paving the way for the development of autoimmune conditions. Corticosteroids can be used to suppress eosinophils in order to prevent this condition in chronic allergic and autoimmune disorders.
What is Low Eosinophils?
Low eosinophils do not have a medical equivalent. On the contrary, for people in good health, a low EOS value in the blood is a desirable event. In some cases, however, low eosinophils may be seen by the specialist as something that is not good. This condition is called eosinopenia . The causes of low eosinophils can be listed as follows;
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive stress
- Taking birth control pills for a long time
- Using different medicines that make hormones
- Too much cortisol is produced in the body
- Kidney and liver diseases and some other chronic diseases
In some cases, small rises and falls in blood levels may be considered normal, depending on the medication being taken or the general health of the person. On the contrary, in some sick people, even a small increase in the EOS rate should be taken into account. Therefore, all sick people who undergo blood count tests should forward the test results to the specialist and proceed according to the evaluation of the relevant specialist.
What is Eosinophil Elevation?
A high EOS value means that the rate of eosinophils in the blood may be elevated for any reason. A high value is also defined as eosinophilia . The increase in the EOS ratio may be due to different conditions. We can list the causes of elevated eosinophils as follows;
- Allergic disorders
- Microbial diseases
- Asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Various types of cancer
- Celiac disease
Some different medications have side effects. Therefore, there may be an increase in the EOS rate. Therefore, while examining the results, the medications taken by the sick person should be learned in detail. If the EOS level is higher than normal, it can affect different health. Increased allergic reactions, damage to the body's own structures and weakening of the immune system are some of the negativities that cause this situation. In particular, mild increases are considered normal or should be monitored at regular intervals. In case of a significant increase in EOS , the cause of this phenomenon should be investigated by applying the necessary further observations in line with expert recommendations.
Eosinophil Normal Value
In patients with elevated EOS , the underlying health problems should first be examined in order to normalize the values. Listening to the detailed past history of the sick person and knowing the existing disorders can find an answer to some EOS elevation. However, the medications taken by the person should also be taken into consideration. In case of eosinophilia caused by allergic disorders, the application of antihistamine or corticosteroid treatment contributes to the stabilization of blood count levels. In EOS increases observed to be caused by infection, it is necessary to determine the type of microbe and the region where it has developed. After the detection of the condition causing the infection, EOS levels can return to normal by taking medications such as antibiotics and antivirals. Elevated EOS levels can sometimes be caused by more important disorders. It can also be caused by diseases. In such cases, a separate treatment method can be applied after the diagnosis of the health problem that causes this condition.
If you have observed an increase or decrease in EOS levels as a result of your blood values, you can consult your specialist doctor. Your doctor may also refer to further diagnostic tests if deemed necessary.
