Lymphocytosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Lymphocytes ?

Lymphocytes are white blood cells present in the body that help fight infections and other viruses that enter the human body. These lymphocytes play an essential role in our body. In lymphocytosis, the number of lymphocytes in the blood exceeds the normal limit.

The bone marrow of our body continuously produces lymphocyte cells. These lymphocytes move into the bloodstream, and some move into the lymphatic system. Sometimes, these lymphocyte cells increase in the blood and cause lymphocytosis.

Complete blood count is also an important parameter when calculating the number of lymphocytes in the blood. It counts the number of cells in absolute numbers rather than expressing them as a percentage.

lymphocyte function :

There are three types of lymphocytes – T cells, B cells and NK cells. B lymphocyte cells are helpful in producing antibodies in the body. T cells are used to kill cancer cells and also protect your body from foreign substances. NK cells are natural killers. These cells are specialized in killing virus cells as well as cancer cells. Natural killer cells are specialized in targeting infected cells.

Reason :

The normal range of lymphocytes varies from 800 to 5000 lymphocytes per milliliter of blood. It mainly accounts for 18% to 45% of the white blood cell (WBC) count. The number of lymphocytes also varies according to the age of the person. Lymphocytosis is very common. This is especially common in people who have:

• had a recent infection
• reaction to a new drug
• A medical condition that causes long-lasting inflammation, such as arthritis
• serious medical illness such as stroke
• certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma
• had his spleen removed

There are many causes of this disease. Typical causes include:

• acute lymphocytic leukemia
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• lymphoma
• mononucleosis

Symptoms of Lymphocytosis :

Lymphocytosis usually does not cause any serious symptoms. If lymphocytosis is caused by serious illness, certain symptoms may occur. These symptoms are swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck area, armpits and near your abdomen. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, severe pain, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, fatigue, infection, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Redressal :

• Lymphocytosis cannot be completely prevented. There are only a few ways by which its risk can be reduced.
• Maintain a safe distance from the infected person and avoid sharing your personal belongings with the sick person.
• Disinfecting commonly used items.
• cleaning your hands frequently with soap and water