Back in 2022, rapper Lil Keed tragically passed away at the young age of 24. The news left his fans shocked and reminded many young hip hop heads to check in on their own health. As reported by People, seven months after Keed’s untimely departure, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner revealed that he died of natural causes stemming from eosinophilia. The rare medical condition quickly grabbed headlines and sparked a broader discussion about its nature. Fans were quick to ask, what exactly is eosinophilia, how dangerous can it become and what are the early symptoms? Whether you’re a Lil Keed super-fan looking for some closure, or just a health-conscious rap aficionado, let’s take a moment to examine the condition, explore the causes and effects, and outline what events caused Lil Keed’s life to come to such an early end.

What happened to Lil Keed?

Eosinophilia is a health condition that occurs when the body produces an abnormally high number of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that help fight infections and respond to allergens. While mild cases can go entirely unnoticed, severe eosinophilia can trigger inflammation and organ damage, impacting the heart, lungs, skin and digestive system. In certain cases, the condition can rapidly become life-threatening, especially when combined with asthma, allergies or parasitic infection. Because eosinophilia is uncommon and often misunderstood, Lil Keed’s death brought tons of public attention to the illness and may have even helped patients recognize their own symptoms.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, Lil Keed was suffering from severe and worsening health complications in the days leading up to his death. Family members reportedly noted that the Atlanta rapper was experiencing intense stomach and back pain, which left him bedridden for several days. His eyes had also become jaundiced, which is commonly associated with liver dysfunction or other serious internal health problems. On May 13, 2022, Keed asked his brother, fellow rapper Lil Gotit, to drive him to the hospital. While en route, Keed suffered a seizure and became unresponsive before arriving at the emergency room. He eventually passed that evening at the hospital.

Early speculation surrounding Lil Keed’s death fueled rumors of drug use, particularly because sudden deaths among young rappers are often linked to substance abuse. However, reports later clarified there was no evidence suggesting drugs or alcohol were a factor in his death. In fact, TMZ reported that Lil Keed had recently become sober prior to his hospitalization. Months later, the coroner officially ruled that Lil Keed died from natural causes connected to eosinophilia. The exact trigger behind Keed’s lethal battle with eosinophilia was never publicly identified, but it’s commonly accepted that the condition caused widespread inflammation, which resulted in severe damage to Keed’s internal organs. Reports also indicate that the rapper experienced liver and kidney failure shortly before his death, highlighting how rapidly the illness progressed.

Lil Keed’s cause of death, explained

Since many rappers have met a gruesome end related to drugs, alcohol or violence, Lil Keed’s death was met with a lot of confusion. Once medical professionals officially ruled the death to be a result of natural causes, it helped to dispel rumors that dangerous illicit substances or gang affiliation were a factor. Even still, the ruling raised a number of questions about how eosinophilia develops within the body.

Under normal circumstances, eosinophils play an important protective role in fighting against infection and allergies. When their levels become excessively high, as in patients with eosinophilia, these cells can begin attacking healthy tissue instead. Over time, this abnormal immune response causes intense inflammation throughout the body and damages critical organs. We can only speculate on what caused Keed’s inflammation, though it’s clear that the trigger caused his condition to worsen rapidly.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients can develop eosinophilia because of allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders or parasitic infections. In rarer cases, eosinophilia can appear without a clearly identifiable cause, making diagnosis extra difficult. Symptoms also cover a broad spectrum, and may initially resemble other, more common illnesses. Fever, fatigue, muscle pain, coughing, abdominal discomfort or skin rashes are common among those seeking a diagnosis.

Since the signs are usually nonspecific, severe eosinophilia can progress before patients even realize the condition’s severity. In Lil Keed’s case specifically, he never received a formal diagnosis, so his early symptoms appeared without any real urgency. Had he known that he had the condition, Keed likely would have been transported to a hospital earlier for treatment.

What’s happening in your body

Understanding eosinophilia begins inside the immune system, where the body produces white blood cells. Under healthy conditions, some of these blood cells, called eosinophils, act as a natural protection system against foreign objects and parasites. In a healthy body, small amounts of eosinophils are present and circulating through the bloodstream. In those with eosinophilia, the eosinophils are overproduced, resulting in far more protection than the body actually needs. When eosinophil levels rise too high, the cells can move beyond their protective role and begin causing inflammation in healthy tissue. Instead of targeting only harmful invaders, they begin releasing toxic proteins and chemicals that irritate organs and damage surrounding cells.

This inflammatory response can affect nearly every part of the body, depending on where the eosinophils accumulate. Some patients primarily experience respiratory symptoms because the lungs become inflamed, while others develop digestive issues, skin problems or cardiovascular complications.

Doctors typically diagnose eosinophilia through blood testing after elevated eosinophil counts are discovered. In many cases, mild eosinophilia may not cause noticeable symptoms and can sometimes resolve once the underlying trigger is addressed. More severe cases can become dangerous if inflammation spreads to major organs, and persistent eosinophilia has the potential to damage organs to the point of liver or heart failure, like in Lil Keed’s case.

One of the most difficult things about eosinophilia is that the symptoms often resemble more common illnesses. Fatigue, abdominal pain, coughing, rashes, fever and shortness of breath can easily be mistaken for infections, allergies or other inflammatory conditions. As a result, some patients may not receive an accurate diagnosis until complications become more advanced. That uncertainty is part of what makes eosinophilia both difficult to identify and potentially life-threatening when left untreated.

Common causes

As stated, eosinophilia is commonly associated with conditions that trigger an immune response. Allergies are among the leading causes, particularly seasonal allergies, food allergies and allergic reactions to medications. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic sinus inflammation may also develop elevated eosinophil levels because the body continuously responds to airway irritation. In many cases, eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders are also associated with eosinophilia.

Parasitic infections are another well-known cause, especially infections involving worms or other parasites that invade the digestive system. Because eosinophils help the body fight parasites, the immune system may dramatically increase production during these infections. Certain bacterial and fungal infections can also contribute to abnormal eosinophil counts, though this occurs less frequently. For many patients, treating the underlying allergy, infection or inflammatory condition causes eosinophil levels to return to normal over time.

Specific causes

In more severe or unusual cases, eosinophilia may stem from underlying autoimmune diseases, blood disorders or rare immune-system conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients can even develop hypereosinophilic syndrome. This is a disorder in which extremely high eosinophil counts persist for long periods and begin to damage organs throughout the body. Certain cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, have also been linked to abnormal eosinophil production.

Drug reactions can trigger especially dangerous forms of eosinophilia in some people. A condition known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (AKA DRESS syndrome), can cause widespread inflammation, rash, fever and organ failure after exposure to specific medications. In rarer situations, doctors cannot identify a clear trigger at all. This results in a condition called idiopathic eosinophilia. These more complex forms of the illness often require extensive testing and long-term medical management to prevent severe complications.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing eosinophilia usually starts with a routine blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC. This test measures the number of eosinophils circulating in the bloodstream. If doctors see that eosinophils are abnormally high, they’ll likely schedule repeat testing to rule out temporary spikes caused by minor infections or allergies. From there, clinicians often look for the most common underlying triggers, including asthma, chronic allergies or parasitic infections. Additional basic tests may include stool samples or chest X-rays if respiratory symptoms are present.

Dr. Diana Rangaves tells Blavity Health, “A strong clinical history is like medicine’s Rosetta Stone for deciphering unexplained results. The goal is to narrow a differential diagnosis, review potential causes, and reach one clear answer that can account for the underlying illness. When data is inadequate, the interpretation may ask the ordering doctor/provider to fill gaps and decide the most likely cause, which is an important part of providing excellent patient care within the medical team. Keep excellent records of potential symptoms and timings you experience.”

Treatment in common cases focuses on addressing the underlying cause of eosinophilia, rather than the condition itself. Antihistamines or inhaled corticosteroids can be used for allergies and asthma, while antiparasitic medications are prescribed if an infection is found. In mild cases, eosinophil levels may return to normal once the trigger is removed or controlled. Doctors may also use short courses of oral steroids to reduce inflammation if symptoms are more pronounced. Ongoing monitoring is often recommended to ensure eosinophil levels stay within a safe range.

In more complex cases, diagnosing eosinophilia requires a deeper investigation to identify rare or systemic conditions. If eosinophil levels remain extremely high or organ damage is suspected, doctors may order bone marrow biopsies, advanced blood work, genetic testing or imaging such as CT or MRI scans. These tests help identify disorders like hypereosinophilic syndrome, certain blood cancers, or drug-induced reactions such as DRESS syndrome. In some cases, specialists also test for genetic mutations that can drive abnormal eosinophil production.

Treatment for severe eosinophilia is often more aggressive and highly specialized. Corticosteroids are commonly used as a first-line therapy to quickly reduce inflammation, but long-term management may include immunosuppressive drugs or targeted biologic therapies that specifically block eosinophil activity. Since organ damage can occur rapidly in advanced eosinophilia, treatment often involves a full medical team focused on preventing complications and stabilizing the patient’s immune response.

What are the first signs of eosinophilia?

The earliest signs of eosinophilia are often subtle and easy to mistake for common, less serious conditions. Many people, such as Lil Keed, initially experience general symptoms like fatigue, fever or a persistent sense of stomach cramping. Because eosinophils are part of the immune system, early inflammation can also present as symptoms resembling seasonal allergies or a lingering infection. This could mean sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes or a mild cough that doesn’t fully go away.

Not everyone who experiences these symptoms is primed for an eosinophilia diagnosis, but it’s worth discussing these symptoms with your doctor if you do think eosinophilia is possible. In many cases, individuals don’t notice anything unusual until routine blood work reveals elevated eosinophil levels.

As eosinophilia progresses, more noticeable symptoms emerge. Depending on which part of the body is being affected, this could include itching, rashes, eczema-like patches or hives. Some people may also experience mild shortness of breath or wheezing if the lungs are becoming inflamed, particularly in those with underlying asthma. Digestive symptoms can also appear when the gastrointestinal system is involved. Because symptoms are so broad, eosinophilia is often only confirmed after persistent or worsening symptoms prompt a deeper medical evaluation.

What not to eat when eosinophils are high

There is no universal “eosinophilia-friendly diet,” but certain foods are said to worsen inflammation or trigger immune reactions in some patients. As Health Grades notes, because eosinophilia is often linked to allergies or immune sensitivity, one of the most important dietary considerations is avoiding known food allergens. Common triggers include dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy and wheat. For people who already have food allergies or suspected sensitivities, even small exposures can intensify inflammatory symptoms.

Some patients have reported problems with highly processed foods, including those high in refined sugar, artificial additives, preservatives and trans fats. These foods do not directly cause eosinophilia, nor are they directly linked to the condition, but a healthy anti-inflammatory diet is your best bet for avoiding unnecessary flare-ups.

Ultimately, what someone should avoid depends heavily on the underlying cause of their eosinophilia. For example, a person with a parasitic infection may not need the same dietary restrictions as someone with autoimmune-related eosinophilia. Because of this variation, doctors often recommend keeping a food and symptom journal to help identify personal triggers. Working with a healthcare provider is the most reliable way to determine, on an individual basis, which foods may be worsening inflammation.

What autoimmune disease has high eosinophils?

There are many autoimmune conditions that can be associated with elevated eosinophil counts, especially those involving chronic inflammation or abnormal immune signaling. One of the most well-known conditions of this sort is eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). This is a rare form of vasculitis, meaning it causes inflammation of blood vessels, often affecting the lungs, skin, nerves and sometimes the heart. People with EGPA frequently have asthma or allergy-like symptoms first, followed by rising eosinophil levels and systemic inflammation. Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is another common diagnosis for those with spiked eosinophil levels. In HES, eosinophils become persistently elevated without a clear cause and begin damaging organs over time.

Other autoimmune diseases that may also show mild to moderate spikes in eosinophilia include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. These can occasionally present with elevated eosinophil counts, especially during flare-ups or when the immune system is highly activated. Even still, eosinophilia is not a defining feature of these conditions. Since eosinophils rise in response to a wide range of immune disturbances, doctors typically avoid diagnosing based on eosinophil levels alone. Instead, they rely on a combination of symptoms, lab work, imaging and sometimes tissue biopsies to determine whether an autoimmune process is driving the elevation.

When to see a doctor

Unfortunately, eosinophilia is not something a person can reliably diagnose or manage on their own. A doctor should be consulted if any of the previously mentioned symptoms persist longer than expected or continue to worsen. While these issues can be caused by many minor conditions, their persistence may signal an underlying immune or inflammatory problem that needs medical attention. More urgent attention is required when symptoms suggest possible organ involvement. Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or even rapid unexplained weight loss may indicate that eosinophils are contributing to inflammation in critical organs like the heart, lungs or nervous system. In these cases, delaying care can increase the risk of complications.

If you believe you may be a candidate for eosinophilia, you can also ask about your eosinophil levels during routine blood testing. Even if there are no obvious symptoms, it’s worth staying on the same page with your doctor and alerting them to any changes in your health. In many cases, early detection makes a major difference. Conditions linked to eosinophilia can progress quietly before becoming severe, so timely medical evaluation helps prevent long-term damage.

Bottom line

Eosinophilia is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces too many eosinophils. This can lead to inflammation and potential organ damage if left untreated. It is often linked to allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders or more complex immune system conditions, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening complications. Because early signs are easy to overlook, proper diagnosis through blood tests and medical evaluation is essential. With timely treatment targeting the underlying cause, many cases can be managed effectively and prevented from progressing into severe disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do high eosinophils make you feel?

High eosinophil levels can make you feel tired, weak, and generally unwell. They often present with allergy symptoms such as coughing, itching or congestion. In more severe cases, they may also cause stomach pain, breathing issues or body aches.

Can eosinophils go back to normal?

Eosinophil levels can return to normal once the underlying cause is addressed. The main challenge is identifying the problem in patients before eosinophils begin attacking internal organs. In complex cases, medical treatment may be needed to bring levels down and prevent them from rising again.

Citations

People. Lil Keed Cause of Death Confirmed by Coroner 7 Months After He Died. People. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://people.com/music/lil-keed-cause-of-death-confirmed-by-coroner-7-months-after-he-died

TMZ. Rapper Lil Keed Complained of Stomach Pain, Suffered Organ Failure Before Death. TMZ. Published May 17, 2022. https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/17/lil-keed-dead-dies-cause-of-death-stomach-pains-organ-failure

Mayo Clinic. Eosinophilia – Causes. Mayo Clinic. Published September 8, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eosinophilia/basics/causes/sym-20050752

Mayo Clinic. Hypereosinophilic syndrome – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published June 27, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypereosinophilic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352854

Creekmore E. 6 Foods to Avoid with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Healthgrades. Published May 25, 2022. https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/digestive-health/6-foods-to-avoid-with-eosinophilic-esophagitis

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