Sometimes a blood test shows that the lymphocytes in the blood are elevated in children. What does this mean? Before answering this question, you need to find out what the term "lymphocytes" means.
What are lymphocytes?
These are the cellular elements of the immune system. Lymphocytes form in the bone marrow. The main function of these cells is the detection of a foreign antigen and the promotion of its elimination. Lymphocytes are responsible for cellular immunity. Their main mass is located in the tissues, only 2% is in the blood. Elevated blood lymphocytes in children and adults can be against the background of bacterial and viral infections. If the number of these cells is reduced, then this indicates a malfunction in the immune system. Also, some medications can lower the level of lymphocytes.
The rate of lymphocyte count
The normal number of lymphocytes in the blood depends on age. In an adult healthy person, they make up 19-37% of the total mass of leukocyte milestones. In children, these indicators also depend on age. Their percentage ratio looks like this:
- in 1 day - within 12-36%;
- in 1 month - within 40-76%;
- at 6 months - within 42-74%;
- in 1 year - within 38-72%;
- up to 6 years - within 26-60%;
- up to 12 years old - within 24-54%;
- at 13-15 years old - in the range of 22-50%.
Why are blood lymphocytes elevated?
As mentioned above, the most common cause of lymphocyte increase is viral infections (adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, flu), tuberculosis, in more rare cases, hypothyroidism, brucellosis, and typhoid fever. With a tumor of the bone marrow, such as lymphocytic leukemia, the number of lymphocytes can increase significantly. Symptoms of such a dangerous ailment are weakness, swollen lymph nodes, spleen, liver, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and aching bones.
Lymphocytes in the blood of children can be increased in the presence of such “childhood diseases”, such as chickenpox, whooping cough, measles, rubella, mumps, and scarlet fever.
Also, quite often, an increase in the level of these cells is observed during the recovery period, after infectious diseases.
Is it necessary to reduce the content of lymphocytes in the blood?
If, in addition to the increased content of lymphocytes, there are no other signs of the disease, then there is no reason for concern. After acute respiratory infections, an increased number of these cells can persist for 2-3 weeks. Sometimes this period can last 1-2 months. In any case, you should seek advice only from an experienced specialist who knows what he is talking about. Lymphocytes can be elevated when the body attacks the virus, and a strong immune system provides it with proper resistance. The body itself is able to cope with the problem. However, support should be given during illness. To do this, you must follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle: good sleep, daily walks on the street, proper nutrition, rich in proteins and vegetable fats.
If the lymphocytes in the blood are elevated in children, then, of course, a doctor's consultation is necessary. After conducting the necessary studies, he will confirm or deny the presence of inflammation in the body. The sooner the doctor identifies the disease and prescribes appropriate treatment, the sooner recovery will come.