Can high eosinophils cause headaches?

The rat lung worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, can invade the human brain to cause a chronic meningitis with prolonged headache. This condition can be diagnosed by finding a high eosinophil count in cerebrospinal fluid (CFS), the lumbar puncture also provides symptomatic relief.

What is the difference between IgE and eosinophils?

In severe allergic asthma (SAA), both IgE and eosinophils are participants in a complex process in which they play different roles. It could be considered that IgE is the cause of allergic asthma, while eosinophilia is a consequence of the whole process.

Does IgE activate eosinophils?

Unlike mast cells and basophils, factors other than IgE, such as IgG and cytokines, likely play roles in activation of eosinophils in allergic diseases. The expression of IgE receptors by eosinophils has been a controversial issue.

Why are my eosinophils high?

Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. You can have high levels of eosinophils in your blood (blood eosinophilia) or in tissues at the site of an infection or inflammation (tissue eosinophilia).

Are there any risks to having an eosinophil count drawn?

An eosinophil count uses a standard blood draw, which you have likely had many times in your life. As with any blood test, there are minimal risks of experiencing minor bruising at the needle site. In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after blood is drawn.

What does it mean to have eosinophilia in your blood?

Definition. Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. You can have high levels of eosinophils in your blood (blood eosinophilia) or in tissues at the site of an infection or inflammation (tissue eosinophilia).

How is the absolute count of eosinophils calculated?

The absolute eosinophil count can be worked out by multiplying the total white blood cell count against the percentage of this count which are also eosinophils. This means if the white blood cell count is 8000/uL, and 5% of the white blood cells are eosinophils, the absolute count of eosinophils would be 400/uL (8000 x 0.05).

Are there any medications that can cause eosinophilia?

Travel history is an important part of the work-up for eosinophilia although a lack of recent travel does not rule out parasitic infections. Drug reactions: Medications can trigger eosinophilia, sometimes without any obvious signs or symptoms.