Low levels of basophils in the blood may be the result of pathological processes in the human body. But in some cases, not associated with diseases, a decrease in basophilic granulocytes is considered normal. You need to know the reasons why their level is decreasing, and be able to decipher the results of the analysis.
Basophiles
This is a type of blood cell that belongs to the granulocytic leukocyte family. Formed in the bone marrow. After being released into the bloodstream, they circulate there for several hours and then are distributed throughout the tissues of the body. There, their vital activity is preserved for 8-10 days.
Basophilic granules contain histamine and heparin. The first affects the contraction of smooth muscle muscles. Thanks to it, the permeability of the walls of blood vessels increases, which leads to the formation of edema and a decrease in blood pressure. Heparin is involved in the regulation of the blood coagulation system. Immunoglobulin E is located on the surface of basophils.interacting with the allergen, it forms a bond with it. After that, the basophilic granulocyte cell is destroyed and all its internal contents are released into the blood. At the same time, symptoms of inflammatory and allergic reactions begin to appear in the body. This serves as a signal for other blood cells that can cope with the causative agent of the disease and cleanse the body of the remnants of biologically active substances.
Functions of basophilic granulocytes
- Support blood supply to small blood vessels, thanks to which tissue cells are saturated with oxygen.
- Participate in the formation of new capillaries.
- Transmit a signal to other leukocytes for their further movement to the sites of localization of pathogenic agents
- Prevent the development of parasitic infections.
- Prevent the spread of poison throughout the body (for example, when bitten by a snake).
- Protect the skin and mucous membranes from the penetration of parasites.
- Form the body's response to the allergen. This is considered the main function of basophils.
- Participate in cleansing tissues from biologically active agents.
Analysis for the content of basophils in the blood
As a rule, the content of basophils in the blood is determined during a general blood test. For this, the patient most often takes blood from a finger. Biological fluid from a vein is also suitable for such analysis. The essence of the method is to count all leukocyte units under a microscope. It is called the leukocyte formula.
When conductingThis analysis determines the number of not only basophilic granulocytes, but also other leukocytes. The result is most often given as a percentage of the cellular elements of leukocytes to each other.
Normal level of basophilic granulocytes
Because basophils are part of the leukocyte formula, they can be expressed as a percentage of the rest of the leukocytes. Also, the result can be given in absolute quantity (basophilic granulocyte count × 109 g/l). Normally, the absolute number of basophilic granulocytes is 0.01-0.065 × 109 g/l and does not depend on sex and age. As a percentage, there is a dependence on the age of the patient:
- For newborns, the normal rate does not exceed 0.5-0.75%.
- In children under one year - 0.6%.
- The norm for children under two years old is 0.7-0.9%.
- The indicator in adults does not depend on the sex of the subject and is 0.5-1.0%.
The doctor evaluates the results of all indicators of the leukocyte formula, since the number of basophilic granulocytes has no individual diagnostic value. Under some physiological conditions, basophils are reduced or absent. This indicates the presence of basopenia.
Basopenia
It is characterized by a complete absence or decrease in basophils in the blood (less than 0.5% or 0.01×109g/l). Basopenia is not an independent disease, but acts only as a symptom. The main reasons why basophils are lowered in an adult:
- Long-term infectious diseasesin the acute stage.
- Exhaustion.
- Prolonged stress, nervous tension.
- Intense physical activity.
- Increased thyroid hormone levels.
- Prolonged period of corticosteroid use.
- Inflammatory processes of the lungs in the acute stage.
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
- After a course of chemotherapy.
- Allergic reactions.
In children, basophils are lowered most often with improper functioning of the endocrine system or disruption of the bone marrow.
Normally, basopenia occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle in women, when ovulation occurs. Also, basophils are lowered during the recovery period after the disease with rubella, scarlet fever. With frequent x-ray examinations, basopenia is considered a normal reaction of the body.
Pregnancy
During the first trimester of pregnancy, an additional circle of blood circulation occurs. The volume of the liquid fraction of the blood increases, and the number of formed elements does not change. The concentration of basophilic granulocytes decreases accordingly. For this reason, basophils are low or absent in the blood sample. Such an analysis is considered false, and a decrease in the absolute or relative number of basophilic granulocytes during pregnancy is considered the norm.
Basophilia
Characterized by an increased level of basophils. Common causes include:
- Long duration of viral and infectious diseases in the acute stage.
- Malignant neoplasms of the lungs or bronchi.
- After chemotherapy and certain medications.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Inflammatory processes in the liver.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcers, inflammation).
- Intoxication.
- Diseases of the circulatory system.
Often in such pathological conditions, the level of neutrophils is low, and basophils are high.
Doctor's consultation
In case of a decrease in basophils in the blood, it is necessary to consult a specialist. The doctor will prescribe additional examinations in order to identify the true cause of the deviation of the test results from the norm.
If the cause remains unknown and no pathological conditions have been identified, then several recommendations must be followed to help normalize the level of basophils. These include:
- Reducing or avoiding stressful situations.
- Reducing the intensity of physical activity, if it has recently been increased.
- Proper nutrition. Add foods rich in vitamins and iron to your daily diet.
It should be remembered that in women during ovulation and during the first trimester of pregnancy, the level of basophilic granulocytes is low and is considered normal.
After suffering infectious diseases, the level of basophils returns to normalyourself.
If the patient is taking corticosteroid drugs, they will need to be replaced with analogues that do not have such side effects.
Conceived doctors prescribe vitamin B12. It improves brain function and is involved in the formation of new blood cells.
If the level of basophils in the results of the leukocyte formula is increased or decreased, you should not postpone visiting a doctor, and even more so self-medicate. With a timely consultation and examination, the cause will be established and the correct treatment will be prescribed. This will help to avoid the development of diseases and maintain he alth.
