An Unusual Case of Eosinophilia.

Various inflammatory markers have been used to show an association between welding and respiratory tract disorders due to inhalation of fumes. We hereby present a case of 19-year-old male, welder by occupation who presented with upper respiratory tract infection and was documented to have persistent moderate eosinophilia on serial Complete Blood Count (CBC) examination. This was also confirmed by bone marrow examination which was suggestive of increased eosinophilic precursors. Eosinophils are an inflammatory marker and are increased most commonly in respiratory tract of welders due to inhalation of metal fumes. Treatment with steroid is gratifying and provides short term symptomatic relief. Avoidance of metal fumes and/or change of job is the long term preventive measure. Welding occupation, as a risk factor, should be considered for causation of persistent respiratory tract inflammation with eosinophilia.