What Are Eosinophils, and What Do High or Low Levels Indicate?

Question

I recently had a blood test, and my doctor mentioned that my eosinophil count was higher than normal. From what I understand, eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and allergic reactions, but what exactly do they do, and why would their levels increase or decrease?

I read that high eosinophils (eosinophilia) can be caused by allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, and autoimmune diseases, while low eosinophils might be due to stress or steroid use. How do doctors determine whether an abnormal eosinophil count is a sign of a serious health condition?

One thing that concerns me is that chronic high eosinophil levels can lead to organ damage, inflammation, and blood disorders. What are the best ways to balance eosinophil levels naturally?

Are there any Ayurvedic or natural remedies that help regulate eosinophil function and reduce inflammation? I’ve heard that Turmeric, Tulsi, and Black Seed Oil are beneficial for immune balance—do these actually help?

If anyone has had high or low eosinophil levels, what symptoms did you experience, and what treatments helped restore balance?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Thank you for sharing your concern. Elevated eosinophil levels can be a bit worrisome, so it’s great that you’re seeking more information.

Eosinophils are white blood cells that help fight parasitic infections and play a role in allergic responses. They can also contribute to inflammation in asthma and autoimmune conditions.

Causes of High or Low Eosinophils:
High levels (eosinophilia): Commonly linked to allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, or autoimmune diseases.
Low levels: Often due to stress, corticosteroid use, or infections.
Doctors assess underlying conditions using additional tests like allergy panels or stool tests for parasites.
Risks of Chronic High Eosinophils:
Long-term elevation can cause inflammation or organ damage (e.g., in eosinophilic esophagitis or chronic asthma). Close monitoring and treatment are essential for serious conditions.

Natural Remedies for Balance:
Turmeric: May reduce inflammation due to its curcumin content.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Black Seed Oil: Both have mild anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. While potentially helpful, they should complement—not replace—medical treatment.
If you have ongoing symptoms like fatigue, breathing issues, or digestive problems, follow up with your doctor to determine the best course of action. Let me know if you need more details!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Eosinophil vriddhi sharir me ati-sensitization, pratikriyaatmak rog, ya jantu sankraman ka sanket ho sakti hai. Alerji, asthma, atisensitivitata, aur autoimmune vyadhiyan iske mukhya karan hote hain. Ayurved me is sthiti ko "rakta dushti" aur "pitta-pradhan prakop" se juda mana jata hai. Turmeric (haldi), tulsi, black seed oil (kalonji), aur giloy jaise rasayan dravya pratikriyaatmak shoth kam karne aur rakt shuddhi me madad karte hain. Chyawanprash, haridra-ksheer, aur triphala bhi prabhavit ho sakte hain. Satvik aahar, alerji utpadak padarthon se doori, aur pranasan-yog jaise upay rakta aur sharirik santulan banaye rakhne me laabhdayak hote hain.

What Are Eosinophils, and What Do High or Low Levels Indicate? - #15410

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