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What is an Eosinophil?
Eosinophils, one of five types of white blood cells, are part of the body's defense system against parasites and are also involved in allergic responses. An eosinophil may also be known as a leukocyte or granular leukocyte. When eosinophils function normally, they are useful to the body. These cells travel through the blood system and release toxins to destroy invading organisms or respond to allergens. When the body is fighting infection or responding to an allergen, it is normal for eosinophil levels to increase and this doesn't necessarily indicate HES. When the body is producing abnormally high levels of eosinophils, it is referred to as eosinophilia or hypereosinophilia. However, people living with HES experience an increased level of eosinophils for a sustained period of time for no obvious reason. HES can be damaging to the body because high levels of eosinophils release toxic enzymes into the body which can eventually damage organ tissue.