Causes of Increased Eosinophils

Eosinophils are part of the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting against infections or inflammations. An increase in eosinophil count is called eosinophilia. Eosinophils increase in inflammatory conditions of the body, during certain infections by parasites or in certain skin diseases.

Infections and Inflammations

• According to the Department of Hematology, South West Washington Medical Center, eosinophil count rises when there are some parasitic worm infections (roundworm, hookworm) in the body. They may rise due to some inflammations occurring in the body like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, and inflammations in the respiratory tract like asthma.

Cancerous conditions

• Eosinophils may increase due to some form of cancers like the Hodgkin lymphoma, lung and stomach cancer. Any neoplams (cancer) or leukemias can increase the eosinophil count.

Allergy and others

• Allergies like seasonal allergies, hay fever, asthma can increase eosinophils. Lung disease and certain medications can cause an increase in the count. Drug interactions or allergic response to a particular drug can also lead to eosinophilia. Physician's advise is a valuable approach in knowing the actual cause.