Lymphocytes High – Know Lymphocytes Meaning, Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

Lymphocytes are white blood cells which are also called immune cells. They thrive in the bone marrow of our body and are found in blood and lymph tissues. 

Role of Lymphocytes

There is a constant production of cells by the bone marrow. These cells become lymphocytes to penetrate into the bloodstream by traveling through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes and tonsils, which guard the body from infection.

A tiny part of the white blood cells/lymphocytes stays in the bone marrow, and they turn into B cells. On the other hand, the rest of the lymphocyte cells go to the thymus and turn into T cells.

The different types of B and T cells are Effectors and Memory cells.

1. Effectors cells:

These cells are triggered by antigens, which support fighting infection.

2. Memory cells:

These cells stay in the body for some time, and they can identify previous infections. If and when the same antigen re-infects the body, the cells quickly get into action.

B and T lymphocytes function together to protect the body against infections.

What Role do the B and T Cells Perform?

The role of the B lymphocyte cells is to identify antigens in the body and to turn them into plasma cells to produce antibodies which can fight against the antigen.

On the other hand, T lymphocyte cells are of three types, such as;

1. Cytotoxic T cells
2. Helper T cells
3. Regulatory T cells

1. Cytotoxic T Cells:

These are the cells that kill and destroy the body’s infected cells.

2. Helper T Cells:

These cells inform other cells in charge of the body’s immune reaction. They help inform the other cells about the immune response to fight against the body’s infection.

3. Regulatory T Cells:

These cells prevent the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. The immune system is suppressed by these T cells to maintain the response and fight against antigens in the gastrointestinal tract.

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What do you Mean by Lymphocytosis?

Lymphocytosis is the condition of a high count of lymphocytes in the body. So, when an individual has extra lymphocytes in the blood than required, the condition is called Lymphocytosis. Having a high count of lymphocytes temporarily is normal. However, it implies that there is an invasion of the body by pathogens. A considerable count of lymphocytes in the blood also implies that your body is functioning to protect itself from germs or infections that make us sick.

Lymphocytosis is not a severe health condition. However, considerable monitoring is required if this condition is seen in adults. A count of increased lymphocytes means the presence of over 4000 lymphocytes in one micro-litre of blood.

Causes of Lymphocytosis

If there is a rise in lymphocyte count in your blood, it would imply that the WBCs or the white blood cells are fighting such infection, which might make one sick. In some instances, diseases like cancer can also elevate the level of lymphocyte count.

Below are some medical conditions that might give rise to Lymphocytosis:

• It can be caused due to viral infections or even bacterial infections in some cases, such as cough, influenza, chicken pox, HIV, etc.
• Lymphocytosis, in some cases, can be a cause of cancer related to blood, such as leukaemia
• Other causes include smoking, stress-related issues, allergies to medicine, and autoimmune diseases

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphocytosis

• Lymphocytosis may not show any symptoms. But the patient may experience some symptoms due to a sudden rise in the count of white blood cells
• For instance, neck lymph nodes can get swelling because of infection of Lymphocytosis
• Also, fatigue and breathlessness might be experienced by people suffering from Lymphocytosis
• Night sweats and loss of appetite are also conditions that might occur due to a high count of white blood cell
• You may also experience unexplained loss of weight, infection, fever etc.

Is it Easy to Diagnose Lymphocytosis?

The medical history of a patient as well as the present symptoms shown, are used as deciding factors by doctors while diagnosing Lymphocytosis. The doctor can have a physical examination and ask questions about a person’s lifestyle and habits to check the risk of developing some infections that can cause Lymphocytosis. Further, blood tests are also done to check the count of lymphocytes in the body.

In case of a high count of lymphocytes, it is checked if the spike is temporary. If not, added tests are performed, or the case might be referred to a blood specialist doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of Lymphocytosis

The treatment of Lymphocytosis depends on the reason for the high lymphocyte count. If the spike indicates any disease, it is treated accordingly. It may not be a cause for worry if it is a temporary spike. Doctors might offer treatment to support the body to restore the count of lymphocytes produced in the body to normal levels.

How can Lymphocytosis be Prevented?

Lymphocytosis is not preventable. However, it can be treated by dealing with the causes of the temporary high lymphocyte count. Further, people can reduce the risk of developing any health conditions or infections and getting sick by preventing the following:

• Stop any physical contact with people who are suffering from any kind of viral or bacterial infection
• Do not share personal items of sick/infected people
• Keep washing your hands regularly if there is a chance of infection
• To avoid germs, keep things and surfaces of regular use items clean

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To sum up

Lymphocytosis is the result of the body’s defense system to fight infections and diseases. It is suggested to contact a doctor if there is a chronic symptom or infection so that tests can be performed and proper treatment can be started. With a comprehensive health insurance policy, it becomes easy on the pocket to get a diagnosis and treatment of diseases without losing your savings.

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