Why are eosinophils raised in adults?

Eosinophils are specific white blood cells that perform a number of important functions. In particular, they provide a stable immunity, since they possess cytotoxic properties. But what does it mean if eosinophils are raised in an adult?

Brief characteristics and functions

Eosinophils are segmented granulocytes with a bilobed nucleus. These cells are characterized by an amoeboid movement, they quite easily penetrate the walls of the vessels. Another important property of these structures is chemotaxis - the ability of active movement towards the sources of inflammation or areas of tissue damage. By the way, these cells are microphages and can absorb foreign particles of small dimensions.

Eosinophils can actively bind or, conversely, release histamine and some other substances released during inflammation or an allergic reaction. There are many reasons why eosinophils are elevated. In adults, the norm of these cells ranges from 120 to 350 units. On a microliter of blood. Any deviation may indicate a problem.

Eosinophils are elevated: causes

Indeed, such a violation of the normal blood formula, as a rule, indicates different malfunctions in the body. Therefore, if eosinophils are raised (in an adult or in a child - it is not important) is an excuse for a more complete examination. Today, it is common to identify several main causes of eosinophilia. Here are only those that are found most often:

• First of all it is worth mentioning about allergies. After all, as already mentioned, eosinophils easily bind or release histamine, an increase in the level of which in turn leads to the appearance of basic symptoms, for example, skin rash or swelling of the mucous membranes. By the way, this variety of white blood cells has the ability to both suspend and trigger the mechanism of development of an allergic reaction. This includes bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and hay fever, atopic dermatitis, increased susceptibility to certain components of drugs.
• If eosinophils in the blood are elevated, this may indicate the presence of a parasitic disease, since one of the functions of these blood cells is the provision of antiparasitic immunity. Therefore it is not surprising that eosinophilia develops against a background of ascaridosis, malaria, trichinosis, opisthorchiasis, giardiasis, etc.
• The processes of tumor formation and growth often lead to an increase in the number of cells. This includes leukemia, erythremia and some other diseases.
• Against the background of infectious diseases, eosinophilia is also often observed.
• Problems in the work of the immune system often affect the blood formula, because granulocytes are a very important part of protecting the body.
• To the same result lead some heart defects, lesions of connective tissue, for example, rheumatoid arthritis.
• At the level of content in the blood of eosinophils may affect the intake of certain medications, in particular those that contain beta-blockers, penicillin, sex hormones, hemotripsin, sulfonamides and some other substances.

As you can see, eosinophils are increased in adults for completely different reasons, therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to collect anamnesis, to familiarize with the patient's symptoms and complaints, and to conduct a number of additional analyzes and studies.