4 replies to this topic

[kalo]

There is a place on line that explains these tests. I know because I found it once. But don't ask me where. LOL I do know that CBC stands for complete blood count. Good luck with getting your answers. Hugs, Carol B

[lovegrov]

Eosinophils are white blood cells that are responsible for combatting infection by parasites that enter the bloodstream.

These cells, transparent in vivo, appear brick-red when stained by the Romanowsky method. The red colour is visible as small granules within the cell. These granules contain histamine, and other chemicals that are toxic to both parasites and the host's tissues.

Eosinophils also play a role in the allergic response, and in fibrin removal in inflammation.

An increase in eosinophils is called an eosinophilia, and is typically seen in people with a parasitic infection of the intestines.

You can find out more by going a google search. But you also need to talk to your doctor and get an explanation from him or her.

richard

[GFdoc]

CBC stands for complete blood count, eosinophils are a subset of the the white blood cells (which you need for attacking infections). A high eosinophil count (your CBC gave you the absolute #, and the % of the white cells- both are elevated) usually means either an allergic problem or a parasitic problem. Your doc can check for parasites by ordering a stool test (ova and parasites) - you'll probably need to submit several different stool samples from different days, as these kinds of infections can be difficult to detect. If you have a parasite, it is easily treated with medication (and I would recommend checking anyone who shares a bed or meals with you if you are positive). I'm not sure if parasites can cause flattened villi (the definition of celiac disease by biopsy).
Mild allergies probably won't cause that large of an increase in Eosinophils...but if you have significant allergies and/or asthma/eczema it could. There is also a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis which has similar symptoms to GERD (acid reflux) - the docs would have seen high # eosinophils in the biopsy of the esophagus (I assume that was done)
You said that your "reliable " celiac disease blood work was negative...did you get checked for IgA deficiency? If your total IgA levels are low, then the celiac disease tests will not be accurate.
Hope this helps...
Sara