About Eosinophils
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and a component of the immune system. They are primarily involved in combatting parasitic infections and play a role in the inflammatory response, particularly in conditions like asthma and allergies. Eosinophils circulate in the blood and can migrate to tissues where they are needed to respond to allergic reactions, infections, or the presence of various other stimuli.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
22.0 - 300.0 cells/microliter
Women's Optimal Range
22.0 - 300.0 cells/microliter
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an ongoing allergic reaction, a parasitic infection, or gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Low
Low levels may be associated with certain viral infections, excessive production of cortisol due to stress or disorders like Cushing's syndrome.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, coughs, and skin rashes.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, frequent infections, and increased susceptibility to allergens.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Rosenberg, H. F., Dyer, K. D., & Foster, P. S. (2013). Eosinophils: changing perspectives in health and disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 13(1), 9–22.
- Jacobsen, E. A., Jackson, D. J., Heffler, E., Mathur, S. K., Bredenoord, A. J., Pavord, I. D., & Akuthota, P. (2021). Eosinophil-guided assessment and therapy in eosinophilic diseases: a review of current evidence and recommendations. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 147(3), 814–829.
- Wechsler, M. E., Akuthota, P., Jayne, D., Khoury, P., Klion, A., Langford, C. A., ... & Weller, P. F. (2021). Mepolizumab or placebo for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(7), 617–628.
- Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). (2021). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2020). Eosinophilic Disorders.