Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. They help fight infections and take part in the body's immune response — but they can also build up and cause inflammation. Normally there are not many of them in the blood.
What raises the number
The body may make more eosinophils in response to:
- allergic disorders;
- skin conditions;
- parasitic and fungal infections;
- autoimmune diseases;
- some cancers;
- bone marrow disorders.
Where they build up
In some conditions, eosinophils leave the bloodstream and collect in organs and tissues. This can happen in many parts of the body, including the esophagus, heart, lungs, blood and intestines.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and on which part of the body is affected. Steroids are often part of it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Eosinophilic Disorders." https://medlineplus.gov/eosinophilicdisorders.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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