Guide To The Warning Signs Of Basophilia

Basophilia is a condition in which patients have too many basophils in their blood. Basophils, which help fight infection, are white blood cells produced in bone marrow. Basophilia is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. For example, it can develop due to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and similar conditions. Other causes include allergies, infections, and myeloproliferative disorders like chronic myelogenous leukemia. Blood tests help diagnose basophilia. Some individuals may need to have imaging studies, genetic testing, or bone marrow biopsies.

Basophilia treatment is indirect. Patients will need to treat the condition that caused basophilia. Thus, they will receive chemotherapy for leukemia and other myeloproliferative disorders. Allergy treatments, such as the best antihistamines, are used too. Some patients will need hydrocortisone cream for skin symptoms. Natural remedies for basophilia target digestive conditions. For example, patients need an inflammatory bowel disease diet. Of course, symptom management is key to treating basophilia and the underlying conditions.

Itching

Patients who have basophilia as a result of an allergy are particularly likely to experience itching. Itchy eyes are especially common. Some individuals could develop skin rashes that itch as well. These rashes may be due to psoriasis, one of the conditions that can cause basophilia. Since itching can have many causes, patients should seek medical advice if they experience this symptom regularly. This is especially the case when the itching is severe. If possible, avoiding allergens may reduce the severity of this symptom.

Hydrocortisone cream is available without a prescription. This cream can soothe itchy rashes. Doctors can prescribe stronger creams for individuals with persistent symptoms. Patients may also need to take antihistamines. Corticosteroids or epinephrine may be recommended for moderate or severe cases. They may need to try several different medications to control this symptom. Patients should tell their doctor about the location and duration of symptoms. They should also let their doctor know if they have a history of allergies. This will allow them to get the most effective treatment.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss that occurs in a patient with basophilia could be due to leukemia. This symptom could also develop in individuals with conditions that affect eating, including inflammatory bowel disease. Unexplained weight loss happens when a patient loses more than five percent of their body weight in twelve months or less without actively trying to lose weight. Patients may want to check their weight regularly so that they know if they are losing weight. It can help if they keep a journal with any additional symptoms too. Since unintentional weight loss could indicate a serious medical condition, patients should always be examined by a doctor if they notice any concerning weight changes.

The doctor will want to know if the patient has experienced any shortness of breath, jaundice, or palpitations. They may ask if the patient has had a persistent cough. The doctor should also know about any history of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Patients may need to have blood tests to investigate unexplained weight loss properly. Doctors could order a complete blood count, a thyroid panel, liver and kidney function tests, and electrolyte tests. MRI scans, CT scans, and PET scans may be necessary. Some individuals may need an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Treatment for unintentional weight loss may include lifestyle measures or medications to stimulate the patient's appetite.

Fatigue And Weakness

Basophilia can be related to chronic inflammatory conditions, cancer, or myeloproliferative conditions. These patients will likely experience fatigue and weakness. They may notice that they feel tired after exercise or climbing stairs. Patients may also find that they need to rest more than usual after daily activities. Doctors will ask the patient questions about when these symptoms began when evaluating their fatigue and weakness. They will ask if these symptoms are chronic or intermittent. Doctors will want to know about the patient's sleep quality and current medications as well. They will conduct a physical exam and order blood tests.

Weakness and fatigue may improve over time with treatment for underlying conditions. Depending on the severity of the patient's fatigue, doctors may choose to prescribe stimulant medications for a short period. The medications may be used along with sleep therapy, counseling, dietary changes, exercise, yoga, and massage. Since there is no objective test for fatigue, patients should always describe how their fatigue feels and how it impacts their lives. This allows their doctor to create an effective treatment plan. If the patient notices changes in their level of fatigue or weakness, they should let their doctor know as soon as possible.

Night Sweats

Night sweats occur when the patient has repeated episodes of heavy perspiration at night. During these episodes, the sweating is so extreme that it could soak through the patient's pajamas or sheets. Usually, patients who have night sweats also experience weight loss, diarrhea, coughing, fever, or localized pain. Leukemia, lymphoma, and myelofibrosis are a few of the conditions associated with night sweats and basophilia. Doctors will do a physical examination and lab tests to investigate the underlying cause of a patient's sweating.

Depending on the cause, the patient may be prescribed medication to ease sweating. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, clonidine, and megestrol could be considered. These may be used along with lifestyle modifications. Patients may find some relief from sweating episodes by sipping cool water during the night. Using layered bedding and turning on a fan in the bedroom may help as well. Patients should always let their doctors know if their sweating continues or gets worse.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is common in basophilia patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In these individuals, abdominal pain may be accompanied by rectal pain, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. Doctors will physically examine the patient's abdomen when evaluating their symptoms. Patients may need to have imaging studies or blood tests as well. The doctor needs to know where the pain is located, how long it lasts, and when it began. They will also want to know if anything makes the pain worse or better.

Anti-inflammatory medicines, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics might be considered to treat this type of pain. Some individuals may be offered nutritional support through a feeding tube. Surgery might be necessary in severe cases.