What is Eosinophilia? How to reduce eosinophil count?

🔊 Listen to this

Introduction

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. These eosinophils are responsible for regulating the process of inflammation and acting against any foreign substances that enter the body. Eosinophils are produced by the bone marrow and help the immune system fight out infections caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other parasites. 

The normal count of eosinophils lies between 30 to 350 cells per microliter (cells/mcL).

What Is Eosinophilia? What Causes Eosinophilia?

Eosinophilia occurs when there is an unusual increase in the production of eosinophils by the bone marrow. In some instances, certain conditions or effects of certain medicines can cause an elevation in the levels of eosinophils in the body. 

The various causes that may be responsible for eosinophilia include the following,

• Allergies like hay fever or allergic rhinitis
• Asthma 
• Certain types of cancers like ovarian cancer, eosinophilic leukaemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer 
• Drug allergies or reactions to drugs like antibiotics, NSAIDs, anti-seizure medicines
• Infections caused by parasites 
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
• Crohn’s disease 
• Eczema 
• Fungal disease 
• Certain toxins 

What Happens If The Eosinophil Count Is High?

In certain cases, high eosinophil count can lead to inflammation in other parts of the body. This is known as hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) or eosinophilic disorder. Depending upon the specific body part affected, these eosinophilic disorders are:

• Eosinophilic fasciitis, which affects the connective tissue fascia 
• Eosinophilic cystitis, which affects the bladder 
• Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) including various disorders that affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract like the stomach, small intestine, and colon
• Eosinophilic pneumonia is a lung disorder 

How Is Eosinophilia Treated?

The treatment approach used for treating eosinophilia is dependent upon the underlying condition causing the spike in eosinophilia. Addressing the cause after diagnosing it results in a reduced level of eosinophils in the body. For example, in a person having increased eosinophils due to allergies, the treatment modality will involve detecting the allergen causing it and treating it. 

Medicines That Can Reduce Eosinophil Count

The medicines that can be used to reduce eosinophil count as prescribed by the doctor after diagnosing the cause. Depending on the different causes, different medicines are prescribed. For example, Eosinophilic Asthma can be treated using corticosteroids, bronchodilators, biologics, and leukotriene modifiers. 

How To Reduce Eosinophil Count By Food?

A diet plays a vital role in the treatment and management of every disease. Hence, the food we eat is essential to heal and get better quickly. To reduce the count of eosinophil, it is essential to pay attention to the diet as there is a possibility that the rise in eosinophils may be caused due to food allergy. For example, some people are allergic to peanuts or dairy. There are certain foods that are to be included and excluded from the diet to reduce eosinophil count. 

Foods To Eat To Reduce Eosinophil Count 

• Fruits 
• Vegetables 
• Lean meats 
• Whole grains 

Foods To Avoid To Reduce Eosinophil Count 

Foods that are known to cause allergy in you must be avoided at all times. There are a few foods that are known to trigger an allergic reaction in people, for example, soy, egg, peanut, wheat, milk, and fish. Hence, if you happen to be allergic to any of these foods, then you must avoid eating them.

Acid reflux and heartburn can cause a spike in eosinophil levels. Hence, to reduce eosinophil count, it is advised to avoid foods that are acidic in nature. These foods include,

• Fried food 
• Garlic
• mint
• Onions 
• Alcohol 

How To Reduce Eosinophils Naturally?

Eosinophils can be reduced naturally by using the following tips:

• Eating a healthy diet by including more fruits and vegetables and avoiding acidic foods
• Consuming foods that help in enhancing the immunity of the body. For example, turmeric, ginger, honey, and pepper
• Managing stress, as stress can worsen the conditions that cause eosinophilia. Effective stress management can be practised by using yoga, breathing techniques, or meditation
• Not smoking and reducing heavy alcohol consumption will not only ensure that the levels of the eosinophils in your body are in check but also your overall health
• Be aware of the potential allergens and try to stay away from being exposed to them
• In case of seasonal allergies, consult a doctor and take the prescribed medicines as indicated
• Keep your home and surroundings clean, as there is a possibility of allergic reactions to pollen or dust mites
• Discontinue the use of medications that are responsible for causing a rise in your body’s eosinophil count

Conclusion

Eosinophilia is an abnormal elevation in the eosinophil levels in the body. Eosinophils are a type of WBCs that are produced by the bone marrow and are responsible for fighting any foreign invader and regulating inflammation. An increase in eosinophil levels in the body is often found during a blood test. The spike in eosinophil levels in the body is often due to an underlying cause, and diagnosing and treating the cause helps in reducing the eosinophil count. 

At Ayu Health, our team of highly skilled healthcare providers gives the best services to all patients. Our team is highly patient-oriented and provides nothing but the best at affordable prices. book an appointment We provide an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause to any patient concerned about eosinophilia and assure them of the best treatment and aftercare. 

FAQs

1. Is there any permanent cure for eosinophilia? 

The cure for eosinophilia depends on the cause that is leading to an increase in eosinophils. In most instances, the causes of eosinophilia are treatable and manageable. However, conditions like cancers that cause a high eosinophil count are serious, and hence, any concern regarding them needs to be addressed by a doctor.

2. How is eosinophilia diagnosed?

Eosinophilia is usually diagnosed in a routine blood test known as a complete blood count test (CBC) along with a differential white blood cell count. However, depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe further tests to accurately diagnose the cause of eosinophilia. 

3. What are the symptoms of eosinophilia?

The symptoms of eosinophilia depend upon what is causing the rise. Hence, the symptoms will vary with the underlying condition. 

Our Hospital Locations

General Surgery Hospitals in Chandigarh | General Surgery Hospitals in Bangalore | General Surgery Hospitals in Jaipur | General Surgery Hospitals in NCR | General Surgery Hospitals in Hyderabad

Our Doctors

General Surgery Doctors in Chandigarh | General Surgery Doctors in Bangalore | General Surgery Doctors in Jaipur | General Surgery Doctors in NCR | General Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad