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. So, lymphocytes are responsible for the recognition of foreign cells and develop immunity to them. And an increased indicator 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. With a blood test, laboratory assistants make a simple count. To find the required 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. According to 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, you should definitely consult a doctor. The doctor will determine the cause of the deviation and prescribe adequate treatment.
What does it mean: elevated 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 increases, then this means that the body is attacking some kind of virus. The viruses that the body responds to with lymphocytosis include smallpox virus, whooping cough, typhoid fever, syphilis, and HIV infection. Poisoning with arsenic, carbon disulfide or lead also gives an indicator of an increased number of lymphocytes in the analysis. In addition, if the blood lymphocyte is elevated , it can signal a serious oncological disease: leukemia, Franklin's disease, lymphosarcoma and other blood pathologies.
The norm of lymphocytes in children and adults
Lymphocytes, as a rule, make up from twenty-five to forty percent of the total number of leukocytes. But this indicator can 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 - to forty-five. Therefore, in order to determine whether the lymphocyte in the blood is elevated or not, it is necessary to take into account the age category of the person.
Decreased rate of lymphocytes (lymphopenia)
You can talk about lymphopenia if the number of these cells in the blood is less than 1.00 × 10 9 / L. This condition may indicate diseases such as renal 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, an x-ray of the chest, and only then prescribe treatment. Remember that you can’t hesitate to consult a doctor with a poor blood test. Because as soon as he can accurately say why the lymphocyte in the blood is elevated or lowered. Be always healthy!