Increased eosinophils in the blood of a child

White blood cells called eosinophils aid in the body’s defense against infections and are involved in allergic reactions. Parents may become concerned if their child has more eosinophils in their blood than usual. It is vital for your child’s health to understand what this increase means and what could be causing it.

Eosinophil levels can rise for a variety of reasons, including infections, allergies, and even more serious medical conditions. Although elevated results from a blood test can be concerning, it’s crucial to understand that there are common causes and solutions.

This post will explain elevated eosinophil counts, discuss potential causes, and provide advice on what to do if your child is impacted. You and your doctor can collaborate to provide the best care possible for your child if you are well-informed.

Why are eosinophils needed

Leukocytes are blood cells, and eosinophils are one kind of them. These cells are categorized as granulocytes along with other leukocyte types (neutrophils and basophils) because they contain granules. These leukocytes’ primary job is to shield the child’s body against pathogens that cause parasitic, staphylococcal, and other infections, as well as different allergens and toxins. These cells also control the inflammatory process.

Like other blood cells, eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow. Once in the bloodstream, they live in the body’s tissues (such as the skin, intestinal cells, respiratory tract, and other areas) or in capillaries. They are detected in relatively small amounts in the peripheral blood. One intriguing characteristic of these cells is the ability of eosinophils to move actively, thanks to the amoeboid mechanism. They "approach" the desired infectious agent or poison that has to be eliminated in this way.

These leukocytes have the capacity to absorb immune complexes or histamine that have developed in the child’s body in addition to the actual foreign particles. Eosinophils release enzymes that break down their membrane when they come into contact with parasites. Eosinophilic leukocytes also secrete other biologically active substances, such as prostaglandins.

What level of eosinophils is elevated

In a blood test, the leukocyte formula is used to calculate the norm of eosinophils. A percentage of all white blood cells is used to express the quantity of these cells.

For children, the upper bound of the norm is thought to be:

• No more than 5% of eosinophils at the age of up to one year (in newborns up to the 10th day of life, the upper limit will be 4%).
• No more than 4% of eosinophils in children who are already 1 year old.

Eosinophilia is the term for a condition where a child’s blood eosinophil count is elevated. When the concentration of these leukocytes rises to a maximum of 15%, it may become reactive (small). If 15-20% of all white blood cells are this type of leukocyte, then this is also indicative of moderate eosinophilia. Higher than 20% indicates what is referred to as high eosinophilia. In certain kids with a running illness, eosinophils make up half or even more of all leukocytes.

Causes of eosinophilia

The most frequent causes of childhood eosinophil counts that are higher than normal are helminthic invasions and allergic reactions. When they are found in a child, reactive eosinophilia predominates; in other words, the indicator hardly ever rises above 10% to 15%.

These days, allergies are a very common pathology in children. Allergens from food, household chemicals, animal hair, plant pollen, etc. can cause them. The number of eosinophils always rises in cases of Quincke edema, urticaria, exudative diathesis, bronchial asthma, and neurodermatitis.

Since many infants do not follow hygienic guidelines to the letter—washing their hands too little or not at all, eating raw vegetables, and interacting with animals—worms are also a very common issue in children. All of these things raise the possibility of contracting helminth infections, of which roundworms and pinworms are the most prevalent in children.

Additionally, a high concentration of eosinophilic leukocytes is seen at:

• Lack of magnesium.
• Leukoze and other benign or malignant tumors.
• Polycythemia.
• Rheumatism and systemic diseases.
• Infections caused by the protozoa.
• Infectious mononucleosis.
• Malaria.
• Scarlatin and other acute infections caused by bacteria.
• Dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
• Vasculitis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Burns that occupy a large area of ​​the body.
• Lung diseases.
• Decreased thyroid function.
• Liver cirrhosis.
• Congenital heart defects.
• Removal of the spleen.
• Taking certain medications, such as sulfonamides, nitrofurans, hormonal agents or antibiotics.
• Increased vagus nerve tone.

The genetically based form of eosinophilia is identified separately. Furthermore, children who have recently had hepatitis or pneumonia have higher levels of eosinophils. For a considerable duration following such illnesses, eosinophilic leukocytes can be found to be higher than normal during the postoperative phase and following injuries.

A child’s blood test with elevated eosinophil levels may indicate a number of health problems, such as allergies, infections, or more severe ailments like asthma. The possible reasons of elevated eosinophils, the implications for your child’s health, and the actions to take for a precise diagnosis and course of treatment will all be covered in this article. Parents and other caregivers can more effectively address underlying health concerns if they are aware of these indicators.

Symptoms

A child with eosinophilia will not exhibit specific symptoms; instead, the condition will present as a clinical picture of the underlying illness that led to the leukogram’s alteration. A fever, anemia, an enlarged liver, heart failure, joint pain, weight loss, muscle soreness, skin rash, and other symptoms could be present in the child.

Itchy skin, dry cough, dermatitis, runny nose, and other allergic reaction symptoms are common complaints in allergic diseases. The child will experience changes in appetite, body weight, and sleep patterns, as well as itching in the genitalia and anus, if roundworms or pinworms are the cause of their eosinophilia.

A child’s blood eosinophil count rising could indicate that the body is reacting to an allergen, infection, or other immune-related problem. Although this may sound concerning, it’s crucial to keep in mind that eosinophils are a component of the body’s defense mechanism, and an increase in their numbers frequently indicates that the body is defending itself.

See a doctor to determine the underlying reason if your child’s blood test results show elevated eosinophils. Depending on the symptoms and medical history, the doctor might suggest additional testing or treatment.

It’s always best to keep an eye on your child’s health and take appropriate action as soon as something changes. Most eosinophil-related problems are effectively manageable with appropriate medical guidance.

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