What does it mean if eosinophils are high, and should I be worried? - #14612

High eosinophils can be caused by various conditions, and it’s often not immediately serious. Common reasons include: Allergies: Seasonal allergies, eczema, and hay fever are some of the most common causes. Infections: Parasitic infections (like hookworm or tapeworm) are a well-known cause, though less common in developed countries. Asthma: Eosinophilic asthma is a subtype linked to elevated eosinophil levels. Autoimmune/Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis or vasculitis can cause elevated levels. Medication Reactions: Some drug reactions can lead to elevated eosinophils. Blood Disorders: Rarely, certain cancers or blood diseases may be linked. Your symptoms of a stuffy nose and mild itching suggest allergies may be the most likely cause. Doctors typically evaluate the cause by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and possibly doing more tests (e.g., stool tests for parasites, allergy panels, or chest imaging). If symptoms persist or are severe, it’s worth getting checked further. Many mild cases resolve on their own, especially if they’re due to seasonal allergies. If linked to allergies, antihistamines or nasal sprays can help. If it’s allergy-related and you treat the symptoms, your eosinophils may normalize over time. For more serious causes, specific treatments are necessary. Monitoring with your doctor is the best way to decide if further tests or treatment are needed.