Elevated blood monocytes - what does this mean?

An ordinary person does not always understand various medical terms, numbers, formulas. For example, elevated blood monocytes : what does it mean? First of all, you need to find out what this term means.

What are monocytes?

Monocytes are certain cells of the immune system. They are also called tissue macrophages and fragocyte mononuclear cells. Monocytes are a type of white blood cells and perform protective functions in the body: they prevent various infectious diseases, dissolve blood clots, and eliminate dead tissue. These cells form and mature in the bone marrow. Then they are transported into the bloodstream and circulate through the blood for 36-100 hours. After this, monocytes pass into the tissues of the body and are transformed into tissue macrophages, the main function of which is the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and dead tissues. In addition, these cells affect the regulation of blood formation. With their help, substances that protect the immune system are synthesized: interferon, interleukins.

If elevated monocytes in the blood are diagnosed, then a person has monocytosis. It can be relative and absolute. This condition indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

Monocytes in the blood are elevated: causes

8% of monocytes from the total number of leukocytes is the norm for a healthy person. If the level of these cells exceeds 8%, then this indicates relative monocytosis. At the same time, the absolute number of monocytes in the blood does not go beyond the normal range, however, the level of other types of white blood cells may decrease. Absolute monocytosis appears with an increase in the total number of monocytes above 0.7 * 109 / L. A blood test will help determine these indicators. Monocytes can be raised as a result of the following reasons:

• various diseases of the circulatory system;

• rickettsial, viral, protozoal, fungal infections;

• ulcerative colitis;

• enteritis;

• leukemia;

• syphilis;

• tuberculosis;

• brucellosis;

• polyarteritis nodosa;

• lupus erythematosus;

• arthritis.

Why can monocytes be lowered?

If the number of monocytes in the blood is less than 1% of the total leukocyte count, then this condition is called monocytopenia.

The most common causes of this phenomenon are:

• aplastic anemia;

• typhoid fever;

• exhaustion of the body;

• the postpartum period in women;

• bone marrow lesions;

• purulent processes;

• shock;

• taking certain medications.

  

Elevated blood monocytes: what to do?

If the level of these cells is slightly increased, then the body is able to cope with the problem on its own. If high monocyte counts are found, medical care is indispensable and treatment of the underlying disease is necessary. This will require careful diagnosis, various medications and a long period of time. However, one hundred percent cure is not always possible. For example, with leukemia, a full recovery can be achieved in very rare cases. Nevertheless, it is impossible to ignore the disease, it is necessary to adhere to all the recommendations of the attending physician.

Elevated blood monocytes are very serious. Ignoring monocytosis can be very dangerous to health.