High lymphocytes can be identified from the results of blood tests. This condition is often temporary and harmless. Even so, under certain conditions, high lymphocytes can also be a sign of serious health problems suffered.
High lymphocyte levels are usually a sign of infection, including those caused by viruses or bacteria. However, some other conditions, such as inflammation and taking certain medications, can also cause lymphocyte levels to increase.
Types and Functions of Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are part of the white blood cells produced by the bone marrow. Lymphocytes along with other white blood cells play a role in maintaining the body's immune system by fighting bacteria, viruses, and toxins that enter the body so that you avoid getting sick.
Some lymphocytes circulate throughout the body through the bloodstream. However, there are also those that reside in the body's lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils.
Lymphocytes are divided into 2 types, namely B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes function to produce antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses, and toxins. While T cells work by attacking body cells that have been exposed to viruses or cancer cells.
Each lymphocyte has a different role in the immune system. There are lymphocytes that act as effector cells and some are memory cells. Effector cells are activated when there is a cause of infection and fight the infection directly.
Meanwhile, memory cells play a role in remembering the cause of an infection that has existed before, so that if the next cause of infection comes back, the body can respond more quickly to resistance.
Causes of High Lymphocytes
In adults, lymphocyte levels are declared high if the number is more than 4,000 per microliter. In children, normal levels vary, depending on their age. But usually, the normal limit for a child's lymphocyte is 9,000 per microliter and if it is more than that number, the lymphocyte level can be declared high.
As for some conditions that can affect the levels of lymphocytes in the body are:
- Had an infection some time before doing the examination.
- Are having a heavy load of mind / stress.
- Is pregnant.
- Just had surgery.
- Taking certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, sulfa drugs, allopurinol, or vancomycin.
- Have had radiation therapy, corticosteroid therapy, or chemotherapy.
While conditions that can cause high lymphocytes include:
- Viral infections, such as measles, mumps, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and hepatitis.
- Bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and pertussis.
- Spleen removal surgery.
- Blood cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia.
High or low levels of lymphocytes can be known by doing a blood test. If you have certain conditions that can affect your lymphocyte count, such as being pregnant or taking certain medications, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking a blood test.
High lymphocytes generally do not display typical symptoms. However, some symptoms such as fever, bruising or rash on the skin, weight loss or fatigue can be a sign of high lymphocytes. So, if you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor to find out the exact cause.