Final answer:
Persistent increases in eosinophils can cause neurological and cardiac symptoms, often associated with severe allergies, asthma, or parasitic infections. Immunosuppression can exacerbate these symptoms by impairing the body's ability to regulate eosinophil levels and activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Persistent increases in eosinophils are associated with neurological and cardiac symptoms in patients with conditions like severe allergies, asthma, and parasitic infections. Eosinophils can cause tissue damage and late-phase symptoms such as swelling, redness of the skin, coughing, and wheezing. High levels of eosinophils in the blood can be a sign of an allergic reaction or an ongoing fight against a parasitic infection. When the immune system is compromised, as through the treatment with corticosteroids or other forms of immunosuppression, the body is less able to manage the levels of eosinophils, and this can exacerbate symptoms. These white blood cells play a critical role in the body's defense mechanisms, particularly during allergic reactions and in combating parasitic worm infestations.