High Neutrophils

The human body has its own mechanism for dealing with allergenic substances and pathogens. There are various types of specialized cells in the body that help in fighting off these disease-causing agents.

These are referred to as white blood cells. White blood cells, which are also known as leucocytes, are immune cells that spring into action, whenever the body is attacked by pathogens. White blood cells are further divided into subtypes such as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes.

The neutrophils, eosinophils and the basophils are together classified under granulocytes. Whenever the immune system detects the presence of pathogens in any part of the body, it is the fast-acting neutrophils that first reach the site of infection.

Neutrophils constitute a major part of the white blood cells and definitely play a very important role in protecting the body from infections. These are mainly responsible for killing bacteria and fungi, and do so through the process of phagocytosis.

Being phagocytic in nature, neutrophils perform their task by ingesting the disease-causing agent. Neutrophils are mainly generated by the bone marrow. The life span of a neutrophil is about six hours. They die if not used within this time frame. In this story, we will find out the circumstances under which one may have high neutrophils in the blood.

In medical terminology, high neutrophil count and low neutrophil count are referred to as neutrophilia and neutropenia respectively. While low neutrophils may be indicative of a compromised immune system, neutrophil count that is higher than usual may indicate a pathogenic infection or disease.

One is diagnosed with neutrophilia when the neutrophil count goes beyond 10,000 per cubic millimeter of blood. An increase in the number of neutrophils may be caused due to a wide range of reasons. Here's some information on the conditions that may be responsible for causing neutrophilia.

As mentioned earlier, neutrophil granulocytes are always circulating in one's blood and are the body's first line of defense against pathogens. Whenever a pathogen enters the body, and causes inflammation, these immune cells rush towards the affected area, and reach within an hour at the site of infection.

These immune cells have a self-destruct mechanism. Under normal circumstances, when one is healthy, and the immune system doesn't detect the presence of any disease-causing agents, these would get destroyed.

However, bone marrow would produce them in large numbers in case of a bacterial invasion. These may also be found in large numbers in individuals suffering from a parasitic or fungal infection.

Neutrophilia could also be caused due to medical conditions, especially the ones that are characterized by inflammation. Neutrophilia may affect individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's immune cells target the body's own cells or tissues.

Extreme neutrophilia could be associated with leukemoid reaction, wherein the bone marrow releases large numbers of neutrophils before they have matured. Proliferation of these cells may occur as a result of cancer. Under such circumstances, the neutrophil count may lie in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 per cubic millimeter of blood.

Besides malignant tumors, other conditions wherein the neutrophil count may become elevated include tuberculosis, ketoacidosis, acute kidney failure, heart attack, rheumatic fever, gout and hemolytic anemia.

At times, neutrophil count may increase due to trauma or any kind of severe tissue injury. Acute inflammation that may be caused by injuries or burns, could also increase the neutrophil count. Since neutrophils are destroyed in the spleen, the surgical removal of spleen may also be responsible for causing neutrophilia.

At times, high neutrophil count and low lymphocytes could be attributed to the use of certain drugs. Neutrophilia could be attributed to the prolonged use of corticosteroids. Elevated neutrophils could also be caused if the body is subjected to a high level of physical or mental stress.

These were some of the medical conditions that may raise neutrophil count. If one's blood tests reveal high levels of neutrophils, one must have a thorough medical checkup done, at the earliest. This condition can be treated only once the underlying cause is identified.

So, only when the doctors are able to ascertain the underlying cause of neutrophilia, they can recommend the use of drugs or other treatment options so as to restore the neutrophil count to normal. Following a healthy diet, and making other right lifestyle choices will surely go a long way in treating this condition.