A patient presents with a severe form of atopic asthma. Which of the following changes would MOST likely to be found in this patient’s blood?
Correct Answer: Eosinophilic leukocytosis
Description: An increased number of eosinophils (AKA eosinophilia) occurs in association with several conditions, the most frequent of which are immune-mediated diseases (e.g., asthma, hay fever, and pemphigus vulgaris) and parasitic infestations. This is due to an absolute increase in the number of circulating eosinophils, brought about by IL-5, which stimulates differentiation of eosinophilic precursor cells in the bone marrow.Also know:Basophilic leukocytosis is a rare event that is sometimes observed in association with chronic myelogenous leukemia. It is not seen in patients with asthma. Lymphocytosis may result from a vast array of conditions, but it is not typical of asthma or other allergic diseases. Lymphocytosis may develop in response to a number of infections (e.g., brucellosis, whooping cough, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and tuberculosis) or manifest as pa of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Monocytosis refers to an increase in number of monocytes, which are circulating macrophages. Chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, rickettsiosis, and malaria) and chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., collagen vascular diseases and inflammatory bowel disease) are the most common underlying causes. Ref: Robbins Basic Pathology, 8th Ed, page 442t
Category:
Pathology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now