Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the body’s immune response to allergens and parasites. They are produced in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and tissues. Eosinophils contain granules that are filled with enzymes and proteins involved in inflammation and immune responses. They can release toxic substances that can damage tissues and contribute to disease. Eosinophil levels can increase in response to parasitic infections, allergies, asthma, and certain autoimmune diseases. Eosinophilic disorders are a group of conditions that involve elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood or tissues. Treatment for eosinophilic disorders may involve medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants, as well as lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.
Facts about Eosinophils
- Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that are involved in the body’s immune response to allergens and parasites.
- Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and tissues.
- The name “eosinophil” comes from the fact that these cells have an affinity for the dye eosin, which stains them a bright red color.
- Eosinophils make up about 1-6% of white blood cells in the body.
- Eosinophils contain granules that are filled with enzymes and proteins involved in inflammation and immune responses.
- Eosinophils play a role in both innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Eosinophils can release toxic substances that can damage tissues and contribute to disease.
- Eosinophil levels can increase in response to parasitic infections, allergies, asthma, and certain autoimmune diseases.
- Eosinophil levels can decrease in response to bacterial infections, stress, and certain medications.
- Eosinophilic disorders are a group of conditions that involve elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood or tissues.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of eosinophilic disorder that involves inflammation of the esophagus.
- Eosinophilic asthma is a type of asthma that involves elevated levels of eosinophils in the airways.
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a type of eosinophilic disorder that involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare autoimmune disease that involves eosinophilic inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare disorder that involves eosinophilic inflammation of the fascia, which is a type of connective tissue.
- Eosinophilic leukemia is a rare form of leukemia that involves abnormal proliferation of eosinophils.
- Eosinophilic meningitis is a rare form of meningitis that involves eosinophilic inflammation of the meninges.
- Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a skin condition that involves eosinophilic inflammation of hair follicles.
- Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare disorder that involves eosinophilic inflammation of the bladder.
- Treatment for eosinophilic disorders may involve medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants, as well as lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.
