What causes an elevated eosinophil response?
An elevated eosinophil response can be caused by allergic reactions, parasitic infections, certain autoimmune diseases, some cancers, and drug reactions. Conditions like asthma, hay fever, and eczema are common allergic causes. Parasitic infections often involve helminths. Elevated eosinophils can also occur in response to certain medications and chronic inflammatory diseases.
What are the symptoms of an eosinophil response?
Symptoms of an eosinophil response can include itching, rash, eczema, and asthma symptoms such as wheezing or coughing. Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain can occur, as well as nasal congestion and eye irritation.
How is an eosinophil response diagnosed?
An eosinophil response is diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, which measures the number of eosinophils in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate an eosinophilic response. Additional tests, including tissue biopsies or specific panels, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
How can an eosinophil response be treated?
Eosinophil response can be managed by treating the underlying cause, such as allergies or infections, often using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Antihistamines and leukotriene modifiers may also be prescribed. In some cases, biologic therapies targeting eosinophils, such as monoclonal antibodies, may be utilized.
What conditions are associated with eosinophil responses?
Eosinophil responses are associated with allergic conditions (such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema), parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers (like Hodgkin's lymphoma), and eosinophilic disorders (such as eosinophilic esophagitis and hypereosinophilic syndrome).