One of the most important components of the immune system are lymphocytes. These blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and play a special role in the human body. Thus, lymphocytes are responsible for the recognition of foreign cells and develop immunity to them. And an increased rate of lymphocytes in the blood (lymphocytosis) signals that something is wrong with the body. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly donate blood for a general analysis in order to recognize any dangerous disease in time. When analyzing blood, laboratory technicians make a simple count. To find the desired number of lymphocytes per volume unit of blood, it is necessary to multiply the number of leukocytes by their percentage and divide by one hundred. Based on the results obtained, it is determined whether the indicators are normal, and if it turns out that the lymphocyte in the blood is elevated or lowered, then you should definitely consult a doctor. The doctor will setreason for the deviation and prescribe adequate treatment.
What does it mean: increased lymphocytes in the blood?
As mentioned above, lymphocytes are responsible for the production of antibodies in the blood, and also regulate the work of other cells responsible for the immune system. Therefore, if the number of these blood cells rises, then this means that the body is attacking some kind of virus. Viruses to which the body responds with lymphocytosis include smallpox virus, whooping cough, typhoid fever, syphilis, and HIV infection. Also, poisoning with arsenic, carbon disulfide or lead gives an indicator of an increased number of lymphocytes in the analysis. In addition, if a lymphocyte is elevated in the blood, this can signal a serious oncological disease: leukemia, Franklin's disease, lymphosarcoma and other blood pathologies.
Norm of lymphocytes in children and adults
Lymphocytes typically make up twenty-five to forty percent of the total white blood cell count. But this figure may vary depending on the age of the person. In a child in the first two years of life, 37-60 percent of lymphocytes are considered normal. Then the indicators decrease: in children by the eighth year of life, the number of these blood cells decreases to fifty percent, in adolescents - up to forty-five. Therefore, in order to determine whether a lymphocyte in the blood is elevated or not, it is necessary to take into account the age category of a person.
Decreased lymphocyte count (lymphopenia)
You can talk about lymphopenia if the number of thesecells in the blood is less than 1.00 × 109/l. This condition may indicate diseases such as kidney failure, lymphogranulomatosis, prolonged stress, dystrophy, prolonged starvation, certain forms of leukemia.
Treatment of lymphocytosis and lymphopenia
If the level of lymphocytes deviates from the norm, in no case should you self-medicate. The doctor must prescribe an additional blood test, a chest x-ray, and only after that prescribe treatment. Remember that it is impossible to delay in contacting a doctor with a bad blood test. Because as soon as he can tell exactly why the lymphocyte in the blood is elevated or lowered. Be always he althy!
