What autoimmune disease causes high eosinophils
What autoimmune disease causes high eosinophils Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. While many autoimmune conditions affect specific organs or systems, some are associated with elevated levels of eosinophils—a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses, especially those related to allergies and parasitic infections. Elevated eosinophil counts, a condition known as eosinophilia, can sometimes be a clue pointing toward particular autoimmune disorders.
One autoimmune disease most notably associated with high eosinophils is eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. EGPA is a rare form of vasculitis, which means it causes inflammation of blood vessels. It often begins with allergic symptoms such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, progresses to eosinophil-rich inflammation, and can involve multiple organs including the lungs, skin, nerves, and heart. The hallmark of EGPA is the significant increase in eosinophil levels, which can be detected through blood tests. The elevated eosinophils contribute to tissue damage as they release inflammatory mediators, leading to symptoms such as asthma exacerbations, skin rashes, nerve pain, and organ dysfunction.
Another autoimmune condition where eosinophilia may be observed is hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Although it is not exclusively autoimmune—since it can be caused by parasitic infections, allergic diseases, or certain cancers—HES can sometimes be linked to autoimmune mechanisms. HES is characterized by persistent eosinophilia and organ damage due to eosinophil infiltration. In some cases, the immune system’s aberrant response leads to the proliferation of eosinophils and tissue infiltration, mimicking autoimmune pathology. When HES is driven by immune dysregulation, it can be considered an autoimmune-related eosinophilic disorder.
Eosinophilia can also be seen in other autoimmune diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic immune-mediated condition where eosinophils infiltrate the esophageal tissue, causing difficulty swallowing and food impaction. Though primarily an allergic or immune-mediated disorder, eosinophilic esophagitis often coexists with atopic conditions and can involve autoimmune-like immune responses.
Additionally, certain connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis and lupus erythematosus may exhibit eosinophilia during active disease phases, although it isn’t a defining feature. The eosinophil count in these diseases often reflects ongoing inflammation rather than a primary eosinophilic disorder.
In summary, eosinophilia can be associated with several autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions, with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis being the most prominent autoimmune disease directly causing high eosinophil levels. Recognizing eosinophilia in the context of autoimmune disease can be crucial for diagnosis and management, as it points toward specific underlying mechanisms and potential organ involvement.
Understanding the link between eosinophils and autoimmune diseases underscores the importance of comprehensive blood testing and clinical evaluation. These insights aid clinicians in diagnosing complex conditions, tailoring treatments, and monitoring disease progression.
