How to raise lymphocytes. Increased lymphocytes in the blood of an adult, causes and treatment

Their main function is to provide defensive reaction body to irritants ( pathogenic microorganisms, histamines, parasites, etc.). Lymphocytes are also responsible for the “immune memory” of the body. Unlike other types of leukocytes, they no longer fight with external agents, but with internal ones, for example, with their own affected cells (mutating, cancerous, viral, etc.).

Types of lymphocytes and their function

Once in the blood, lymphocytes live in their “basic” form for a couple of days, then the body’s glands distribute them into various functional subtypes, which allows lymphocytes to more accurately respond to pathogenic microorganisms.

T lymphocytes

The thymus gland (thymus) is responsible for the creation of T-lymphocytes from 80% of the basic ones. After “training,” T-lymphocytes, in turn, are divided into subtypes:

• T-helpers (helpers);
• T-killers (killers);
• T-suppressors (limiters).

Assassins are naturally trained to attack foreign agents and eliminate them. Helpers produce special components that support and improve the function of killer cells. Suppressors literally limit the immune response to invasion to prevent active breakdown healthy cells own body.

B lymphocytes

From basic set up to 15% of white cells become B lymphocytes. They are considered one of the most important immune cells. It is enough for them to encounter a foreign agent (bacterium, histamine, fungus, virus, etc.) once in order to forever remember it and the way to fight it, which makes the immune response in the future faster and more accurate. Thanks to the adaptation function of B lymphocytes, immune resistance appears for life and also increases the effectiveness of vaccination.

NK lymphocytes

Naturalkiller (NK) is translated from English as “natural killers,” which most accurately corresponds to the purpose of these agents. Only 5% of basic lymphocytes degenerate into NK lymphocytes. This subspecies is entirely responsible for eliminating its own cells if they form markers of viral or cancer damage.

Indications for analysis

Lymphocyte analysis is carried out as part of a clinical (general) blood test with a leukocyte formula. It is prescribed for the diagnosis of the following pathologies:

• general inflammatory processes in acute and chronic form;
• autoimmune diseases;
• infectious, viral or fungal infections;
• suppuration and sepsis;
• internal bleeding;
• oncology;
• allergic reaction;
• pathological course of pregnancy;
• diseases of the hematopoietic and circulatory system;
• pathologies of the lymphatic system;
• radiation sickness;
• monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

Norm of lymphocytes

White cells are assessed in the same way as leukocytes, based on absolute (LYM#) and relative (LYM%) indicators.

If abnormal values ​​are detected, additional tests are prescribed that make it possible to accurately determine the number of lymphocyte subtypes. Typically, such a need arises to assess the activity of the immune process, response and memory.

Lymphocytes are increased (lymphocytosis)

As a result of the analysis, an excess of the norm of lymphocytes established by age and individual physiological indicators may be revealed. This deviation is called lymphocytosis and indicates the following:

• the body contains inflammatory or infectious processes, viral, bacterial pathologies;
• in the pathogenesis of the disease there is a peak or transition to an early stage of recovery;
• the presence of a disease that, as a rule, occurs once in a lifetime and develops lasting immunity (chickenpox, mononucleosis, rubella, measles and others);
• poisoning of the body with heavy metals (lead), chemical components(arsenic, tetrachloroethane), some medicines. The level of lymphocytes in this case will allow us to assess the size and danger of the dose taken;
• oncological processes.

Lymphocytes are low (lymphopenia)

The number of lymphocytes can decrease in three cases:

The body released lymphocytes to eliminate the foreign agent, the white cells died, and the analysis was carried out precisely at this moment (even before the maturation of the new “defenders”). This could happen early in the disease process (before the peak). Sometimes low lymphocytes also cause “long-term” pathologies, such as AIDS, HIV and tuberculosis.

Treatment with certain groups of drugs, for example, corticosteroids, cytostatics, etc.

• The organs and systems responsible for hematopoiesis and specifically for the formation of lymphocytes were affected. In this case the reason low level lymphocytes can become:

  • all types of anemia (iron deficiency, folate deficiency, aplastic);
  • blood diseases (leukemia);
  • lymphosarcoma, lymphogranulomatosis;
  • cancer tumors and methods of their treatment (chemo- and radiation therapy);
  • Itsenko-Cushing's disease.

A low level of lymphocytes often indicates serious and even incurable pathologies.

The analysis is deciphered by a hematologist, in consultation with a diagnostician, infectious disease specialist and oncologist. The sooner the analysis is carried out, the greater the likelihood of identifying the disease at an early stage and ensuring effective treatment patient.

Preparation for the procedure

Preparation for analysis involves the following steps:

• Before donating blood, you should not eat food for 10-12 hours. Therefore, the analysis is prescribed for morning time(usually up to 12 hours), unless the lymphocyte level needs to be monitored regularly. In infants, the procedure is carried out 1.5-2 hours after feeding.
• You can drink water only without gas, and abstain from it 1-2 hours before the procedure. Juices, hot drinks, soda, etc. prohibited.
• 24 hours before the procedure, you must avoid alcohol, spicy and heavy foods, and 2 hours before you stop smoking or using nicotine substitutes.
• Before donating blood, you need to inform your doctor about taking medications and undergoing physiotherapeutic or other treatment courses. It is advisable to do the analysis before or 2 weeks after treatment.
• It is recommended to take a test (including a repeat test) in the laboratory of the hospital where further examination and treatment will take place.

For standard microscopic examination take capillary blood from a finger or from a vein. In newborns, blood can be collected from the heel.

If the laboratory uses modern counter-cytometers, then at least 5 ml of material is needed for the study. In this case, blood is drawn from a vein.

What can affect the result

• A nurse’s mistake during blood sampling, as well as violation of the rules for storing and transporting biomaterial;
• Laboratory assistant’s mistake when studying the material;
• Dishonesty of a patient who violated the rules for preparing for analysis;
• Any, no matter how minor, stress or exercise stress immediately before the analysis;
• Medical procedures performed on the eve of the procedure (radiography, physiotherapy, puncture, MRI, CT, massage, etc.);
• A sudden change in body position before donating blood can also give a false positive result;
• Menstruation in women. Doctors advise carrying out the test no earlier than 4 days after the end of menstrual bleeding;
• Pregnancy. The patient must warn the doctor before taking blood about early stages pregnancy.

Lymphocytes are elevated in the blood test, but you do not yet feel signs of illness. This is correct, since lymphocytes begin their work immediately after the penetration of foreign agents into the body and after their recognition. A natural question is: increased lymphocytes in the blood, what does this mean in women or men? It is impossible to answer this immediately.

- This is a basic diagnostic method. It is carried out to identify various diseases and monitoring the dynamics of treatment. It allows you to estimate the ratio of plasma and shaped elements(cells), count the number of all types of blood cells, determine their main parameters and evaluate the leukocyte formula.

However, changes in blood tests are not an independent diagnosis. The term lymphocytosis means that the patient has increased lymphocytes in the blood. This condition can occur in many diseases. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of their increase, clinical symptoms and other laboratory parameters.

It has important diagnostic and prognostic value, since it reflects percentage between various types leukocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes).

Lymphocytes are the fraction of leukocytes responsible for immune reactions. Their number does not depend on gender and is the same for men and women. In blood test healthy person their number ranges from 19-37%. The percentage indicator is called relative, since it shows their share of the total number of all leukocytes.

To calculate the absolute number, use a special formula: (absolute number of leukocytes * per relative number (percentage) of lymphocytes) / 100.

For reference. The norm of lymphocytes ranges from 1 to 4.0 G/l.

Depending on the laboratory in which the tests were taken, relative or absolute indicators may vary slightly. As a rule, the norm is indicated next to the results obtained.

When interpreting tests, it is necessary to evaluate the type of lymphocytosis: relative or absolute. If it is combined with an increase in the total number of leukocytes, then this state interpreted as absolute lymphocytosis (characteristic of infectious diseases).

If lymphocytes are elevated, but leukocytes are normal, this is relative lymphocytosis (hereinafter referred to as RL). It can be observed in the post-infectious period (in recovering patients), in the presence of inflammation of various etiologies, as well as for systemic lesions connective tissue and malignant neoplasms.

Why may lymphocytes increase in a blood test?

Depending on the function they perform, lymphocytes are divided into:

• B cells responsible for the formation of immunoglobulins (circulating antibodies) and providing humoral immunity. That is, they help free the body from foreign agents.
• – regulate immunity, recognize antigens, provide rejection reactions of transplanted organs and tissues, destroy the body’s own defective cells and provide cellular immunity.
• NK – responsible for the quality of cells in the body. They are the first to respond to the appearance of pathological (cancer) cells.

That is, an increase in lymphocytes can be observed with viral and bacterial infections, diseases of the blood system, bone marrow pathologies and in the presence of malignant neoplasms.

Normally, lymphocytes are increased in:

• children under seven years of age (from two weeks to one year the norm is up to 70%, from one to two years – up to 60%);
• residents of the highlands;
• men engaged in heavy physical labor;
• women during menstruation;
• athletes;
• people who use a large number of foods rich in carbohydrates.

Important. If lymphocytes in the blood are elevated, what does this mean in a child? There is no need to worry until the age of seven, since until this age lymphocytes are elevated and this is considered normal.

Physiological lymphocytosis (up to 50%) is always relative and is not accompanied by clinical symptoms and other changes in analyses.

A good prognostic sign is an increase in lymphocytes in the blood in patients with chronic infectious diseases such as syphilis or tuberculosis. This indicates the activation of the body's defenses. While lymphopenia in clinical analysis blood, will indicate the formation of secondary immunodeficiency.

There is also the concept of post-infectious lymphocytosis. This is a condition when the patient's lymphopenia (possibly in combination with neutropenia) gives way to lymphocytosis. Such a change in the tests indicates a complete recovery.

Attention. If the patient had a “neutropenic” infection (typhoid fever, influenza, measles), then an increase in lymphocytes indicates positive dynamics and the absence of complications.

Causes of pathological increase in lymphocytes

• whooping cough;
• respiratory viral infections (adenovirus, influenza, parainfluenza);
• mumps;
• measles;
• rubella;
• chicken pox;
• malaria;
• leishmaniasis;
• brucellosis;
• yersiniosis;
• leptospirosis;
• toxoplasmosis (the disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause spontaneous abortion or congenital pathologies fetus);
• relapsing fever;
• infectious mononucleosis (also characterized by detection atypical mononuclear cells in a blood test);
• viral hepatitis;
• chronic infections(tuberculosis, syphilis).

Non-infectious lymphocytosis may be associated with autoimmune pathologies accompanied by connective tissue damage. It is observed when rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism. It is also characteristic of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and vasculitis.

More rare cause are early stages stomach and breast cancer. In these diseases, lymphocytosis is combined with high ESR(erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Relative leukocytosis, not accompanied by other abnormalities in the tests, can be detected in patients with neurasthenia, manic-depressive states, and also after severe stress.

Among endocrine causes increased lymphocytes are distinguished:

• thyrotoxicosis;
• myxedema;
• ovarian hypofunction;
• acromegaly;
• Addison's disease;
• Panhypopituitarism.

Attention! In young children, significant lymphocytosis may be observed with thymic hyperplasia.

A pathological increase in lymphocytes associated with taking medications is observed in hypersensitivity reactions (allergies) to medicines or with serum sickness.

AL, in combination with neutropenia, is characteristic of nutritional-toxic aleukia (intoxication syndrome associated with the consumption of cereal crops overwintered in the field), starvation (observed in patients adhering to low calorie diet), B12 deficiency anemia. Fine, similar condition may be observed in patients after removal of the spleen.

Diseases of the blood system

• acute and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia;
• lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkins disease);
• lymphomas and lymphosarcoma;
• tumor metastasis to the bone marrow;
• radiation sickness.

Malignant blood diseases are more common in men (about twice as often as in women). For all lymphosarcoma ( malignant diseases blood, accompanied by the rapid proliferation of tumor lymphocytes) is characterized by OL (rarely, a slight increase in leukocytes may be observed) and high ESR.

Lymphogranulomatosis is characterized by a peak incidence in late adolescence and after fifty years. The main criterion for making this diagnosis will be the detection in a biopsy specimen from lymph node specific Berezovsky-Sternberg-Reed cells. Lymphocytosis in this disease is caused mainly by mature T-lymphocytes.

A distinctive sign of the disease is the filling of the blood with immature cells (blasts) that are unable to perform their functions. Such lymphocytes are dysfunctional and unable to perform their tasks, which contributes to the formation of immunodeficiency and the occurrence of severe infections.

For acute leukemia characterized by substitution healthy tissue red bone marrow, malignant (tumor). This process is accompanied by the active proliferation of lymphoblasts (immature precursors of lymphocytes).

Important. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is characterized by two peaks of incidence. The first peak is observed in children from one to six years of age. The second is observed in the age category from fifty to sixty years.

Chronic leukemia is accompanied by bone marrow damage, lymphoid tissue And internal organs mature atypical lymphocytes, due to their uncontrolled division. The disease is characterized by slow progression and often asymptomatic up to several years. The overwhelming majority of cases occur in men over fifty-five years of age.

For patients diagnosed with aleukemic lymphocytic leukemia, an increase in the number of lymphocytes indicates progression of the disease and is a poor diagnostic sign.

Even simple ones laboratory research may reflect general state body, indicating the occurrence of some problems in it. So ordinary general analysis blood is a fairly informative analysis that can not only confirm or refute the presence of inflammatory processes in the body, but also identify some more serious problems. When testing blood, laboratory assistants record many indicators, and one of the criteria for assessing the patient’s condition is considered to be the number of lymphocytes in the blood. In some cases, the analysis shows that lymphocytes are elevated - what does this mean, what could be the reasons for this phenomenon, and how is it treated?

What does increased lymphocytes mean?

Lymphocytes are the white cells of our blood; they produce antibodies and are responsible for cellular immunity. The reaction of these particles helps the cell recognize an attack from the outside. In addition to protecting the body from aggressive substances, lymphocytes also carry various plastic and nutritional elements to other cells. Another portion of lymphocytes can, if necessary, become other blood cells and connective tissue.

Thus, we can conclude that an increase in the number of lymphocytes is a signal that our body is fighting an infection developing inside human body. If a blood test shows an increase in the volume of this type of white cell, the condition is called lymphocytosis.

Why are lymphocytes elevated (reasons)?

There are many factors that can provoke an increase in lymphocytes. Possible reasons This includes infectious diseases, namely typhoid fever, syphilis, as well as brucellosis, whooping cough and mononucleosis. Such an increase can be provoked by tuberculosis (lungs and other organs), the appearance of mycobacteria inside the genitourinary or respiratory system, as well as on the surface of the skin.

Among other things, an increase in the number of lymphocytes sometimes becomes a consequence of disruptions in activity endocrine system, namely, it occurs due to the development of thyrotoxicosis or myxedema. In some cases similar phenomenon observed when there is insufficient synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands or ovaries.

An increase in lymphocytes may occur due to a malfunction metabolic processes against the background of starvation, anorexia or severe exhaustion, it can also be provoked by a lack of vitamin B12 and exposure to frequent and severe stress.

A similar change in blood composition develops when a person is affected by viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases and various diseases, provoking noticeable suppression of the immune system and accompanied by allergies.

Among other things, similar clinical picture observed during chemotherapy, for example, during the correction of tuberculosis or oncological lesions. Subsequently, the level of lymphocytes is optimized.

Another factor that can increase the level of lymphocytes by an order of magnitude is the removal of the spleen. In this case, the patient develops reactive lymphocytosis, which is the body’s reaction to decreased health.

IN childhood up to six years of age, an increase in lymphocytes can be considered as a variant of the norm. In addition, such a reaction of the body can be observed when a baby develops measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, etc.

What to do if lymphocytes are elevated (treatment)?

Don't be nervous if you find out that your blood test shows an increase in lymphocyte levels. Despite the fact that such a picture can be provoked by a variety of and even very serious diseases, you do not need to think that you have definitely developed them. Having received such an analysis, you should go to your doctor for a consultation. It is especially important to consult a specialist if an increase in lymphocytes in the blood has been recorded more than once.

To deliver the maximum correct diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe you a comprehensive survey immune system, you will also need to undergo a series of tests to determine the presence or absence of infectious pathogens.
Perhaps the bone marrow will become the object of the doctor's attention. So an increase in the number of lymphocytes, in which there is a slight increase in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes, is serious reason for consultation with a hematologist and oncologist.

If an increase in the number of lymphocytes is caused by infectious diseases, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiviral compounds. The doctor may also prescribe certain antibacterial drugs. All medications must be taken according to the regimen that was selected for you by your attending physician.

At the same time, it is necessary to maintain the functioning of the immune system. So, when taking antibiotics, it is advisable to take probiotics that support microflora. digestive tract.

It is extremely important to provide the patient with lymphocytosis with the correct balanced diet, the diet should be rich in a significant amount of fruits and vegetables. Of course, during the treatment period you need to give up nicotine and alcohol, as well as serious mental and physical stress.

In the event that an increase in the number of leukocytes is a consequence of oncological lesions, appropriate treatment is carried out using chemotherapy, etc.

A general blood test is an important study that should be performed at least once a year to monitor the condition of the body.

Everyone had to take a general blood test at a conscious age at least once. It has been known since school biology and anatomy courses that blood consists of many different elements. Test results are a quantitative assessment of these same elements, which may indicate an ideal state of health or the presence of some viruses in the body.

Lymphocytes are the most “indicative” element. The number of lymphocytes can tell a lot about your health. Low white blood cells are a sign of lymphopenia, increased lymphocytes(one of the types of leukocytes) – lymphocytosis. The reasons for these diagnoses may vary. We’ll talk about how to interpret the results of a blood test and what certain indicators mean later in the article.

If lymphocytes in the blood are elevated

Lymphocytes are body cells that are responsible for immunity. It is lymphocytes that are responsible for determining foreign bodies and the production of antibodies that protect the body from infections and negative influence viral cells.

If lymphocytes in the blood are elevated, it means that the body is fighting some kind of infection. Lymphocytosis may indicate both ordinary ARVI and such serious illnesses like mononucleosis or tuberculosis. That is why, in order for the diagnosis to be made clearly, you should contact a professional with the test results, who will prescribe the necessary treatment.

There can be quite a few reasons why lymphocytes are elevated in a blood test:

1. Infectious diseases such as typhus, whooping cough, hepatitis and others cause lymphocytes to become active.
2. Increased level of lymphocytes in the blood and diseases of the endocrine system.
3. Allergic processes can sometimes also be determined by a high content of lymphocytes in the body.
4. Increased lymphocytes in the blood means that the body is trying to recover from an acute infectious disease. Lymphocytosis in this case is normal.

Sometimes a large number of lymphocytes in the blood can be a consequence of recent stress. Stress refers to both psychological and physical impact on the body. For example, after the removal of certain organs, lymphocytes may be produced more actively than usual.

Lymphocytes can also increase for other reasons, to clarify which you need to contact a specialist and, if necessary, take more detailed tests and undergo comprehensive examinations.

What does an increased level of lymphocytes in the blood indicate?

A general blood test allows you to get a fairly complete picture of the state of the body. Different combinations of elements can be signs of many diseases. To have at least general idea To know what the tests show, you need to know the interpretation of combinations of blood elements.

For example, this combination: lymphocytes are increased, and neutrophils are decreased. This is a dangerous combination that indicates an inflammatory process in the body. Cause inflammatory process It could be anything, and additional tests will help determine it. There may be several reasons for the decrease in neutrophils:

With increased lymphocytes and decreased neutrophils It's better to see a doctor right away.

Another option: segmented neutrophils are reduced, and lymphocytes are increased. This combination may indicate the body’s struggle and recovery after an illness (cold). All indicators will return to normal on their own after complete recovery.

Often, when taking a blood test, it becomes clear what is in a person’s blood. What does such an unpleasant situation indicate? Lymphocytes are the cells of the protective (immune) system. They are produced bone marrow our body. These cells are responsible for recognizing any foreign microorganisms and reacting appropriately to them. In order to find out the reason for the increase in their levels in the blood, it is necessary to understand what such a blood test shows. Lymphocytes are elevated in many cases, but it is worth understanding their very essence.

There are several types of these cells. So T-lymphocytes formed in are responsible for identifying a specific type of microorganism. It is on these cells that a timely and accurate response to the penetration of pathogens depends. These lymphocytes are divided into “killers” that suppress the growth of microorganisms and also destroy the affected cells of the body; “helpers” that help strengthen the immune system, and “suppressors” that suppress the response of the immune system. This type of lymphocyte makes up about 80% of their total number.

B lymphocytes are produced by the lymphoid tissues of the lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and small intestine. They produce antibodies (special proteins) that find viruses, tumor cells, bacteria and destroy them. The number of these bodies can reach a specific gravity of 15% (of all lymphocytes).

The smallest number of NK lymphocytes is found in human blood. Their number does not exceed 10%. These cells are responsible for preventing various tumors and infections.

In a healthy person, lymphocytes normally account for up to 36-40% of the total number of leukocytes. Such data in the analysis are recorded in absolute terms in the following form: 1.0-3.6*10(9)/l. It is within these limits that the number of lymphocytes is considered normal. In childhood, their level fluctuates greatly and can change. In infancy it ranges from 9 to 32*10(9)/l. With age, these indicators decrease and by the age of 18 they reach absolute indicators in 1-4*10(9)/l.

Lymphocytes are increased during viral infections(flu, whooping cough, measles, rubella), non-viral infections(diphtheria, malaria, syphilis), tocoplasmosis, blood diseases (lymphocytic leukemia, lymphosarcoma). Sometimes an increase in the number of such cells in the blood is caused by taking medicines.

Lymphocytes are increased in a state of lymphocytosis. It indicates an increase in the number of these cells in the blood, which circulates outside the hematopoietic organs. It is classified into 2 types: absolute and relative. The occurrence of one type or another depends on the disease occurring in the body. or an increase in the proportion of lymphocyte concentration with a completely normal absolute number, occurs most often. It appears in diseases that are characterized by a decrease in other types of leukocytes. This lymphocytosis is characteristic of viral infections, inflammatory diseases, typhoid fever, brucellosis.

Absolute lymphocytosis indicates an absolute increase in the number of lymphocytes. He is observed at acute infections. It is characteristic of rubella, measles, scarlet fever, and tuberculosis. It also appears in lymphosarcoma.

In chronic infections and inflammations, accompanied by infiltration of the lesion by the lymphocytes themselves, both types of lymphocytosis in the blood can be observed.

If this may indicate diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, bronchial asthma, viral hepatitis, serum sickness, endocrine diseases, Addison's disease, thymic hyperplasia. Often this condition appears with B12 deficiency anemia, a decrease in ACTH and BG, long fasting, ovarian hypofunction, acromegaly.