Insights into Low Eosinophil Counts
Eosinopenia is a condition characterised by a lower-than-normal number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. This article explores the common causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for eosinopenia.
Eosinopenia can be caused by various factors beyond acute infections, certain medications (notably glucocorticoids), and Cushing syndrome. These include stress response, acute physiological stress and trauma, hypercortisolism from other sources, sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), certain malignancies, overwhelming bacterial infections, and post corticosteroid withdrawal phases or adrenal insufficiency states [1][4].
People with Cushing syndrome, a condition where cortisol levels are too high, may experience symptoms such as weight gain, muscle weakness, and thinning skin. In some cases, individuals with sepsis, a severe bacterial infection, may require ventilation or surgery.
Individuals with low eosinophil levels may not exhibit any symptoms, but they may experience symptoms related to the underlying condition affecting their counts. Symptoms associated with eosinopenia can include fatigue and easy bruising. If a doctor suspects a medication is causing the low count, they may recommend changing medications and monitoring levels.
Eosinophil levels are generally low in adults, and a doctor may not take steps to treat them unless they suspect an underlying cause or a person also presents with low levels of other white blood cells. Eosinopenia is defined as having less than 150 eosinophils per microliter (μL) of blood [2].
In addition to treating the underlying cause, a doctor may administer antibiotics to treat sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide. Eosinophils play a crucial role in fighting off bacterial and viral infections [3].
References:
[1] Common causes of eosinopenia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441828/
[2] Eosinopenia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470295/
[3] Eosinophils. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279340/
[4] Eosinopenia and eosinophilia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519259/
- In some cases, eosinopenia may be linked to Cushing syndrome, a condition characterized by high cortisol levels.
- Gastrointestinal issues and depression are among chronic diseases and medical conditions that might not be directly linked to eosinophilic disorders but could potentially have an impact on an individual's health-and-wellness.
- It's worth considering workplace-wellness programs that focus on mental health, skin care, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition as they can help manage both chronic-diseases and mental-health concerns.
- Alcohol use and certain medications, like glucocorticoids, can contribute to decreased eosinophil levels in the blood, potentially leading to eosinopenia.
- Therapies-and-treatments for eosinopenia largely revolve around addressing the underlying cause, which may include switching medications, in addition to administering antibiotics if the cause is a bacterial infection like sepsis.
- Eosinopenia is not always predictive of blood poisoning (septicemia), but given sepsis' potential severity, it's crucial to address any signs of the condition promptly for proper treatment.
- Chronic-kidney-disease is one of the conditions that may result in low eosinophil levels, emphasizing the need for comprehensive blood testing when monitoring for eosinopenia.
- In some cases, eosinophilic disorders may be associated with CBD use, although more scientific research is necessary to confirm this link.
- When dealing with eosinopenia or any other medical condition, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in science and potential advancements in therapies-and-treatments.
- Ensuring good nutrition is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, which in turn can help prevent conditions like sepsis and eosinopenia from developing.
- Regular fitness-and-exercise can also strengthen overall health, helping to reduce the risk of infection and other conditions that might be linked to low eosinophil levels, as well as promoting better mental health.
