The count of High lymphocytes Or lymphocytosis may indicate certain types of diseases such as a viral infection, but in more severe cases it may mean cancer or an autoimmune disorder.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that have a very important role to play in the immune system. These help the body in the fight against diseases, and help it to stay protected and healthy.
They are found in the circulation and also are concentrated in central lymphoid organs and tissues, such as the tonsils, spleen, and lymph nodes, where the initial immune response is likely to occur.
Lymphocytes are a component of complete blood count tests that include a white blood cell differential, in which levels of the major types are measured. These tests are used to aid in the detection, diagnosis and control of various medical conditions.
Counts that are below the reference range may be indicative of lymphocytopenia (lymphopenia), while those above are a sign of lymphocytosis.
An adult with more than 3,000 lymphocytes (
Causes of high lymphocyte counts
Common reasons for a high count of lymphocytes include infections, autoimmune disorders that cause chronic inflammation, and cancer of the lymphatic system or blood.
Some specific diseases include vasculitis, pertussis, viral infections, tuberculosis, mononucleosis, HIV / AIDS, multiple myeloma, cytomegalovirus infection, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis or arteritis is when the blood vessels become inflamed and occasionally cause changes in the walls such as narrowing, scarring, thickening or weakening. While some types of vasculitis are acute and only last for a short time, others are chronic and long-lasting.
Severe cases occur when blood flow to the organs and tissues that are supplied by affected vessels is blocked. In these cases, it can cause damage to tissues and organs and, in some cases, even death.
Although vasculitis can happen to anyone, some have a greater risk of developing certain types of this disease. There are classes of vasculitis that do not require treatment, others require prolonged use of the medication.
Whooping cough or flu
Both pertussis and influenza are respiratory diseases that can increase lymphocyte counts. Pertussis is a severe cough accompanied by convulsive noise.
Cough medicines usually do not help cure pertussis, so treatment that may be indicated may include prescription antibiotics. This disease can be prevented with vaccines.
The flu can cause respiratory disorders, fever and fatigue. In some extreme cases it can be deadly. The usual treatment is rest and increased fluid intake, but in some cases prescription of antiviral medications is necessary.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow (the spongy tissue found in the bones, where the body produces blood cells) and blood.
This disease is considered"acute"because it produces immature blood cells and progresses rapidly. In addition to high lymphocyte counts, other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes leading to lumps, fever, nose bleeds, frequent infections, bone pain, and bleeding of the gums.
This is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in children, and in most cases, treatments lead to a strong likelihood of cure.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Like acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of bone marrow and blood.
It is known as chronic because it progresses more slowly than most other variations of leukemia. The word"lymphocytic"in chronic lymphocytic leukemia refers to the fact that lymphocytes are white blood cells that affect this disease.
Typical symptoms include weight loss, painless enlargement of lymph nodes, fatigue and frequent infections.
This disease affects older adults more frequently and the treatments are able to achieve their control.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or monkey for short, is known as the"kiss disease"because it can be spread or transmitted through any contact with saliva; Although this may also include coughing, sneezing, sharing a cup or a utensil.
Despite this, it is not as infectious as other diseases that include the common cold. Is More common in adolescents and young adults. Children rarely experience many of the symptoms of this disease, which causes it to go unnoticed.
Adequate fluid intake and rest are the best treatments. It is important to pay attention to symptoms such as enlargement of the spleen to avoid complications.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus is quite common and can affect most people, as it spreads through body fluids such as breast milk, urine, saliva, semen and blood. Although the infection will last a lifetime, people rarely have symptoms or are affected.
However, there is a greater risk of getting sick for people who have weakened immune systems or pregnant women.
Although there is no cure, there are medications for those with a weak immune system, as well as for newborns.
HIV AIDS
AIDS is a chronic and potentially deadly condition that is the result of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
HIV damages the immune system and, therefore, makes it harder for your body to fight the disease.
It is transmitted sexually, but it can also spread during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding or by coming into contact with infected blood.
Although there is no cure for this disease, it can take many years before HIV causes AIDS. Also, there are medications that can delay their appearance.
Some medicines have helped significantly in developed nations, however, HIV remains a huge problem in parts of Asia and Africa, and in Haiti.
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells. These are a type of white blood cell that is found in the bone marrow and that is responsible for producing antibodies to combat infections.
In people with multiple myeloma, a group of these cells becomes cancerous, multiplying and raising plasma levels to unusually high levels.
This, in turn, leads to a higher level of abnormal proteins, such as antibodies that are produced by plasma cells.
Some people do not experience symptoms at first, while others may experience a change in their red blood cell, kidney, immune system, or bone count. Medications are available to help control the disease.
Other causes
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and may have symptoms that include swelling or abdominal pain, fatigue, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. It can be treated with prescription drugs, lifestyle changes and surgery.
Other viral infections include rubella, Herpes simplex virus (better known as cold sores and varicella), adenovirus, mumps, among others.
The Crohn's disease Is an autoimmune disease that causes the digestive tract to become chronic inflammation. Additional symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Treatment options are sometimes complicated and may involve a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, nutritional therapy and / or surgery.
Other bacterial infections are: toxoplasmosis, brucellosis or intoxication by certain substances, such as lead or benzene; Metabolic disorders such as diabetic or uremic acidosis.
Other acute causes are: septic shock, acute heart failure, surgery, drug addiction and transfusions.
Other chronic causes are: smoking, spleen extraction (splenectomy), autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation and ulcerative colitis.
symptom
Usually, a person who has a high lymphocyte count does not experience any physical symptoms. This means that you may never know about this problem unless you perform a blood test for another reason.
The symptoms that occur are dependent on the cause. Some may include: presence of one or other infection, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the spleen and liver, sudden decrease or increase in body temperature, fever, general exhaustion, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, enlargement of the tonsils, among others .
Treatment
Only the doctor can advise the appropriate treatment for the specific medical situation. The diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause and of the disease play an important role.
After the doctor makes a comprehensive diagnosis, and depending on the results, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antiviral agents may be prescribed with the intention of normalizing lymphocyte levels.
Generally, when tumors appear it leads to the designation of chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant operations.
The basic principles of prevention are a qualified and healthy lifestyle.
Natural Treatments
The first and most important is to differentiate whether it is a benign (reactive to infection, usually viral) or malignant problem. In any case, the following may be considered with the physician:
Diet
One of the most important bases of health is in the diet, and in this case, it is essential to begin a deep quality healing diet.
All those products that prevent, undermine or alter the functions of the immune and nervous system should be eliminated; And include food to help.
Foods that should be discarded from the diet are all sugars and white or refined flours, cow's milk and its derivatives; And the fried meat.
You should start a purification diet, where vegetables, seeds, whole grains and fruits are the basic consumption.
You have to drink enough water (two liters per day). It is advisable to take products and foods that nourish the body. Also consume foods that promote the efficient elimination of toxins and harmful agents. These can be the Spirulina , Pollen, royal jelly, flax, garlic, onion, among others.
Reduce stress and tension
Reduce levels of stress And tension is also essential as this generates significant wear as well as imbalance and fatigue in the immune system.
Activities are recommended to help and stimulate emotional balance and so relieve repressed emotions that create great inner tension.
The practice of yoga, swimming, tai chi, ki-gong, gymnastics, among others, are activities that help to relax the general systems of the body and facilitate its proper functioning.
Alternative therapies
They help promote harmony and health in the body by massaging pressure or stimulating certain parts of the body. Acupuncture, bioenergetics, reflexology massage and some medications, can greatly support the body's functions more efficiently.
The practice of a philosophy of life is essential to fully heal, not only the body, but the mind.
Risks of high-count monoclonal lymphocytosis
Patients with high-count B cell (LMB) monoclonal lymphocytes appear to be at increased risk of non-hematologic cancer.
The researchers identified all individuals with high-count LMB at the Mayo Clinic between 1999 and 2009; And compared non-hematologic cancer rates among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, clinical control patients, and flow cytometry controls.
With a mean follow-up of 4.6 years, 13% of people with high-count B-cell monoclonal lymphocytes had developed non-haematologic cancer.
These findings further reinforce the theory that high-count LMB has a distinct clinical phenotype despite the low risk of progression to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
References
- Nidhi Nangia (2016). What Does An Elevated Lymphocyte Count Mean. One How To. Retrieved from: onehowto.com.
- Mayo Clinic Staff (2015). Elevated Lymphocyte Count. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from: mayoclinic.org.
- Best Online MD Staff (2016). Treatment for Lymphocytosis. Best Online MD. Retrieved from: bestonlinemd.com.
- Symptomsys Team (2016). Symptom & Treatment. Retrieved from: symptomsys.com.
- Lourdes Briz (2015). High-count Monoclonal Lymphocytosis. Cancer Therapy Advisor. Retrieved from: cancertherapyadvisor.com.