Eosinophils are a special type of white blood cell ( WBC). Their main function is to protect the body from allergens, bacteria, parasites, and other foreign organisms. Generally, these cells comprise approximately 5% of the body’s WBC. Like white blood cells, when an unknown organism enters the body, these eosinophils release a toxic protein that effectively destroys the invaders. Continue reading this article to learn more about eosinophils and their low count.

Eosinophils – What do they look like, and where are they located
Typically spherical in shape, eosinophils are microscopic cells that are larger than the others. These cells consist of a two-lobed nucleus. When looked under a microscope, the eosinophils have a peculiar resemblance to two raindrops connected by a thread.

Generally, these particular cells are found inside the tissues of the body. However, some common areas can have an increased count compared to others. Some of these have been mentioned below:

Stomach
Lungs
Bone marrow
Blood
Skin

What is the normal eosinophils count in the human body?
Usually, an eosinophils count is the number of eosinophils in the body. In most cases, irrespective of the individual’s age, they can have an upper limit of 500 cells per microliter of blood. While an increased count can signify infections and other health issues, a lower eosinophils count l(less than 30 cells per microliter) can indicate potential complications like heart failure. This health condition is also known as eosinopenia.

What are the symptoms of low eosinophil count?
As mentioned previously, eosinophils have a low count compared to other cells in the body. So, if an individual has a low eosinophils count, they may not show any significant symptoms. Nevertheless, if the patient has an underlying health condition affecting the count, the signs become increasingly noticeable.

For instance, when the patient has Cushing Syndrome, then some low eosinophil count-related symptoms can emerge in the form of easy bruising and general fatigue.

While others, like Sepsis – a bacterial infection, sends signals to attract more eosinophils to the affected tissue. Thus causing a low eosinophils count. In such cases, some of the most significant symptoms noticed by healthcare professionals include swelling, inflammation, and blood clotting.

What are the causes of low eosinophil count in the human body?
If a patient experiences a low eosinophil count, it can have various potential causes. Some of these may include:

Acute infections
If a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection affects a part of the body, it releases signals that draw eosinophils to the affected area. As these cells fight the infection, their numbers decrease, resulting in a lower-than-usual blood count.

Side effects of certain treatments
When a patient has a health condition affecting the body’s immune system, some treatment methods suppress the system, causing a low count of eosinophils in the blood. This can happen especially in the case of diagnosed lung conditions that need anti-inflammatory treatment alternatives for effective management.

Cushing Syndrome
Individuals who suffer from Cushing Syndrome experience a disruption in their hormonal balance which can result in an elevation of cortisol levels. This sudden surge in cortisol can adversely affect the body, such as a decrease in eosinophil count and a weakened immune system.

How is a low eosinophil count diagnosed?
Generally, during the recommended yearly checkup, the healthcare provider can suggest blood tests for a routine count of both WBC and RBC (red blood cell). If the healthcare provider finds abnormalities in the eosinophil count, such as 30 eosinophil cells per microliter of blood, they can also check for other WBC levels to determine the underlying cause.

Furthermore, the doctor can suspect a low eosinophils count if the patient shows any signs of infections or has a history of Cushing Syndrome.

How is the low eosinophil count treated?
In most cases, there is no need for treatment with a low eosinophil count. However, if the doctor identifies that another health condition is causing the low count, they may suggest alternative treatments to manage the condition.

If a healthcare professional discovers an underlying condition as the root cause of a low eosinophil count, the focus of treatment will be on managing the infection. For instance, if a patient has been diagnosed with sepsis, the doctor may recommend treatment options aimed at controlling inflammation. Once the infection is under control, the eosinophil count will automatically increase.

Additionally, one must know that usually, the body will detect the low count and increase the function of the other parts of the immunity system to counter infections. But if one experiences low eosinophil count for a prolonged period without an automatic increase, healthcare professionals suggest opting for long-term treatment.

Further, one can follow a few tips to keep eosinophil cells healthy. This can include avoiding all potential allergens, eating well-balanced meals thrice a day, and practicing healthy hygiene such as regularly washing hands with soap.