Eosinofiilitasoon

Eosinofiilitasoon refers to an elevated number of eosinophils in the blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system, particularly in fighting parasitic infections and in allergic reactions. A normal eosinophil count in adults typically ranges from 0 to 500 cells per microliter of blood. Counts above this threshold are considered eosinophilia.

There are several potential causes of eosinophilia. Allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and eczema are common culprits. Certain parasitic infections, particularly helminth (worm) infections, can also trigger a significant increase in eosinophils. Other less common causes include certain autoimmune diseases, skin disorders, and some types of cancer. In some instances, the cause of eosinophilia may not be identifiable and is referred to as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome if it is persistent and severe.

The symptoms associated with eosinophilia are often related to the underlying cause rather than the eosinophil count itself. For example, someone with allergic asthma might experience wheezing and shortness of breath, while someone with a parasitic infection might have gastrointestinal issues. Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) to measure the eosinophil level. Further investigations, such as allergy testing, stool examinations for parasites, or imaging studies, may be conducted to determine the underlying etiology. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, such as managing allergies with antihistamines or corticosteroids, or treating parasitic infections with antiparasitic medications.