Monocytes are a type of white blood cell. These cells function to fight several types of infection, get rid of damaged cells and tissues, and increase the body's immunity against foreign objects. Therefore, a monocyte count that is too high can be an important indicator of a health disorder.
The standard number of monocytes in healthy people is quite diverse, ranging from 1-10% of the total circulating white blood cells. This figure is equivalent to 200-600 monocytes per microliter of blood.
Causes of High Monocytes
The condition of too many monocytes in the body is called monocytosis. Monocytosis can be a response or sign of a number of conditions, including:
Infection
Various infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi can cause high monocytes. Examples include tuberculosis and mononucleosis (infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus).
Cancer
The condition of high monocytes is often associated with several types of cancer, especially blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. One type of leukemia that can cause high monocytes is myeloblastic leukemia. Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma that causes high monocytes
High monocytes or monocytosis can also be caused by a number of diseases. For example, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis; chronic inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis, colitis, and Crohn's disease; even diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart disease.
In addition, removal of the spleen, disturbances in the production of blood cells, and stress can also cause high monocytes.
Symptoms of High Monocytes to Watch Out for
High levels of monocytes or the overall white blood cell count can cause the blood to become thick. This condition can cause the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Pain in the area of infection, if the monocytosis is caused by infection
- Easy bruising, if monocytosis occurs due to leukemia
- Losing weight for no reason
- Sweating at night
- Impaired vision
- Respiratory disorders
- Bleeding in areas lined with mucosa or mucous membranes (mouth, intestines)
- stroke
If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. High monocytes are not a condition that can be treated independently at home.
Treatment of monocytosis can vary because it needs to be adjusted to the cause. When high monocytes occur due to bacterial infection, antibiotics can be a treatment option. However, if the condition occurs due to cancer, the doctor may recommend chemotherapy and radiation.