Is it concerning if eosinophils are elevated?
Feb 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
Whether elevated eosinophil levels are serious depends on the underlying cause. Conditions that can lead to this include allergies, skin diseases, malignancies, and also helminth infections such as ascariasis. When elevated eosinophil counts are detected during a medical examination, further tests should be conducted promptly to identify the cause, followed by timely treatment.
Eosinophilia's severity depends on its underlying cause, which may include allergies, skin diseases, malignancies, and others.
1. Allergies
Elevated eosinophil levels may result from certain allergic conditions. For instance, drug allergies, bronchial asthma, and food allergies are generally not serious. Eosinophil counts typically return to normal following appropriate treatment.
2. Skin Diseases
Patients with eczema, psoriasis, or exfoliative dermatitis often show elevated eosinophil levels during testing. This elevation is usually due to the skin condition itself and is generally not severe. With effective treatment, eosinophil counts tend to normalize to some extent.
3. Malignancies
Some malignant tumors, such as lung cancer, can lead to increased eosinophil counts, which indicates a more serious condition. If patients experience accompanying symptoms like difficulty breathing or abdominal pain, they should seek medical attention promptly to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, ascariasis (roundworm infection) can also cause this symptom. When elevated eosinophil levels are detected during a health checkup, further examinations should be conducted promptly to identify the underlying cause and initiate timely treatment.
