Eosinophils – function, norms, deficiencies. What does too high or too low a level mean?

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Each of us should undergo preventive blood tests at least once a year. Thanks to their results, the attending physician is able to assess the functioning of the body and its organs, as well as diagnose possible abnormalities and diseases. Eosinophils are one of the blood components assessed in the analysis of the donated blood. What are they and what functions do they perform in our body?

How does the immune system work?

Not everyone knows that whether we get flu or a cold in a given season depends on two types of immunity: acquired and innate. Acquired immunityas the name suggests, it is acquired over time, and we reach its full efficiency after the age of 18-20. In order for it to develop, it needs past infections against which our body builds protective barriers. No wonder then that bacterial infections and viral infections most often affect young children whose immune systems are just beginning to develop.

The acidic reaction of the skin makes it more difficult for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate deep into the body due to the unfavorable environment. Urine, sweat and tears excreted by the body are also important. Along with them, harmful substances are excreted from the body, but they also act as a barrier for microorganisms that try to enter our body.

Phagocytes, i.e., phlegm cells function in the lymph nodes and are activated only when an infection develops in the body. They then release a substance that lures intruders and neutralizes them. Thanks to phagocytes, pyrogens are also produced, which are responsible for the increase in body temperature. This in turn kills viruses and bacteria in most cases.

The third barrier responsible for the immunity of our body are lymphocytes and antibodies. When inflammation begins to develop in the body, the lymphocytes go into action. They are composed of eosinophils.

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils, or eosinophils, are a type of leukocytes, or white blood cells. They are produced in the bone marrow and, next to basophils and neutrophils, are part of the granulocytes. In turn, granulocytes and agranulocytes form leukocytes – blood components that are mainly responsible for the body’s defense against harmful viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Eosinophils, also called eosinocytes, are distinguished from other granulocytes by large granules in the cytoplasm – in standard stained smears they are orange. They are spherical in shape and are the 4th largest component of leukocytes. They perform several important functions, including the breakdown of histamine, which causes allergic reactions, as well as helping to fight parasites.

Eosynophile – norms

To determine the amount of eosinophils in the blood, it is necessary to take a blood smear. The blood sample taken from the patient’s ulnar vein is analyzed. Then, in the laboratory, both the number and size of the drug cells are observed under a microscope, broken down into individual components.

Their level in the blood is determined by morphological examination, and the reference value should be within the range of 50-400 / µl. The standard can also be determined as a percentage – then it amounts to 2-4%. Before performing the test, inform your doctor about your health condition and the medications you are taking, as some of them may affect the result of the analysis. Agents that potentially increase eosinophils include: appetite suppressants, interferon, some antibiotics, and laxatives.

Elevated levels of eosinophils

If more than the reference amount of eosinophils is found in the blood smear, the condition may be associated with various disorders or diseases including:

1. fungal or parasitic diseases (such as ascariasis, trichinosis, elephantiasis),
2. asthma, allergies (including drug or food allergies)
3. hay fever,
4. eczema,
5. atopic dermatitis,
6. chronic myeloid leukemia,
7. eosinophilic leukemia,
8. Churgai Strauss team,
9. Crohn’s disease,
10. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease),
11. lupus,
12. myelodysplastic syndrome,
13. primary immunodeficiency.

If the number of eosinophils in the blood is more than 1500 / µl and if there are eosinophilic infiltrates in the body’s tissues, it is called hypereosinophils. Hypereosinophilic syndrome occurs when there is damage or dysfunction associated with hypereosinophilia. The reasons vary and include, for example, family factors or neoplasms of the haematopoietic system. The lesions usually involve the heart, skin, lungs, blood, and the nervous system. If left untreated, the condition can even be life-threatening.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome it can affect anyone, but is more often diagnosed in men between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms vary depending on which organ has been damaged and may include a rash and itchy skin, and if the lungs are affected, symptoms may include shortness of breath and coughing.

Reduced eosinophil levels

It may happen that the level of eosinophils is below the reference value. This is the case with alcohol poisoning or overproduction of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced in the body by the cortex of the adrenal glands.

Remember that your blood test results should be analyzed by the doctor who ordered them. The specialist will take into account the values ​​of the results as well as the information obtained by the patient regarding the general health condition, past diseases and the medications taken. Taking into account all the factors, she will be able to make a diagnosis and decide to start treatment.