Lymphocytes are white blood cells, a type of non-granular white blood cell that is the first to register a disease in the immune system.
This is a kind of indicator of the state of the body - they are activated at the time of the penetration of pathogens into it. It can be concluded that lymphocytes are elevated in children if the children are sick?
Yes! With the onset of inflammation, immunity decreases, and the number of lymphocytes in the blood rises. White spleen pulp and lymph nodes are responsible for the production of lymphocytes in the body.
Change in the level of lymphocytes in the blood
The percentage of these blood cells varies depending on the age of the child. If lymphocytes are elevated in infants to 61% in the general leukocyte formula, this is not considered a pathology. By the age of 12, 50% of granular leukocytes in a blood test makes parents worry about the health status of the teenager.
But even if the level of lymphocytes in the child is increased, this does not mean that he is terminally ill.
The nature of lymphocytosis is twofold - an absolute increase and relative. A relative increase in the blood formula occurs and due to a decrease in the percentage of other blood cells. For example, lymphocytes increased - neutrophils decreased.
Relative lymphocytosis is diagnosed for a relatively short time. With a slight increase in protective cells in the blood system, allergies and exacerbation of bronchial asthma occur, which are dangerous for the body, but have a reversible character. If the lymphocytes are significantly increased in a child, the reasons for this may be the following:
- intestinal tract diseases;
- preventive vaccinations;
- seasonal viral infections;
- typhoid fever;
- intonation;
- exposure to certain drugs.
A drop in the level of lymphocytes may indicate pneumonia or illness of the immune system itself.
Absolute lymphocytosis is observed if lymphocytes are elevated in children in the composition of the blood, and not in its leukocyte formula.
This happens during acute infections that can cause serious complications:
- with parathy;
- with whooping cough;
- with cytomegalovirus infection;
- during acute viral hepatitis;
- with tuberculosis and other infections.
Oncological and autoimmune diseases also occur with absolute lymphocytosis. The body begins to produce lymphocytes during such pathological conditions, but they do not have time to mature and in this form they saturate the circulatory system in excess. This causes hemorrhage, ulceration of the affected organs, disrupts their work. We can say that the body begins self-destruction.
Is it necessary to lower the level of lymphocytes in the blood
If the lymphocytes are elevated in children according to a relative indicator for a long time, then you should definitely consult a doctor.
Each case requires an individual approach. How to lower the level of white blood cells and whether it is necessary to do this, the doctor must decide.
In the case when the lymphocytes perform a protective function and contribute to the increase of immunity, regulation of their level with the help of drug therapy is not required. In such cases, you need to help the baby restore immunity with proper nutrition and daily routine.
The treatment of absolute lymphocytosis depends on the cause of the disease. Sometimes therapy stretches for a long time and becomes a serious test for parents of sick children and the babies themselves.