Lymphocytes are one of the cells that help fight against infections. If the lymphocytes count is high, it may be a sign that the person is fighting an infection. If the infection is serious, it may require medical attention.
High levels of Lymphocytes can be associated with the following conditions:
Lymphoma. This is a cancer of the immune system and is most commonly seen in people over age 50.
Leukemia. This is a cancer of the bone marrow and can occur in people of any age.
Other Conditions Associated With Increased Lymphocyte Counts:
Autoimmune diseases, Certain infections, such as HIV infection and AIDS
What is a lymphocyte count?
A lymphocyte count is a measure of the number of white blood cells in your bloodstream. This can be helpful if you are concerned about any infections that might be affecting your health. A good rule of thumb is to have a lymphocyte count between 4,000 and 8,000 per cubic millimeter of blood. Anything below this range may indicate an infection, while anything above this range may denote immunity or resistance to disease.
If you’d like more detailed information on calculating your own lymphocyte count, many online resources offer guidelines for different types of cancer or infectious diseases. There’s even a smartphone app available called Lymocolor, which does the counting for you!
What are the causes of a high lymphocyte count?
High Lymphocyte counts can result from different conditions, such as infectious diseases and inflammatory conditions.
You can have an elevated lymphocyte count due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Fever.
- HIV infection.
- Use of certain medications, including cytotoxic drugs (such as busulfan and cyclophosphamide), antiviral agents (such as abacavir), and antibiotics (such as trimethoprim).
- Malignancy.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Infection by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, or Epstein-Barr virus.
- Immune system disorders.
- Cancer.
- Other factors.
What are the symptoms of a high lymphocyte count?
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that work with antibodies to fight off infections and disease. They also play a role in the immune system. Lymphocytes are involved in defending against viruses and bacterial infection. They are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland. The levels of lymphocytes in the blood are called lymphocyte counts. In healthy people, lymphocyte counts are between 1,500 and 4,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Symptoms:
An abnormally high lymphocyte count may indicate a systemic illness. The following are the most common causes of an elevated lymphocyte count:
Fever, Headache, Fatigue, Joint pain, Skin rash, Bone pain, Weight loss, Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Thrombosis (blood clotting), Neurological symptoms, Elevated liver enzymes, Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), Kidney failure
What are the treatments for a high lymphocyte count?
A high lymphocyte count (HLC) is a condition in which the number of white blood cells in a person’s blood is abnormally high. This can lead to a number of health problems, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. There is currently no single treatment that is effective for all HLC patients, and various treatments may be necessary depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
Some of the most common treatments for HLC include antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Often, these treatments will need to be repeated over time as the HLC does not always return to normal levels. Other methods that may be used to treat HLC include vaccines, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and a healthy diet.
What will happen if lymphocyte count is low?
When your body’s immune system is compromised, such as when you’re sick, you are more likely to develop infections that can lead to serious complications. When your body is able to fight off an infection or disease, it’s called “immunity.” When the immune system is working properly, it recognizes foreign substances and attacks them to prevent infections. When the number of lymphocytes in the blood is low, it can increase your risk of infection.
When you have a low white blood cell count, the lymphocytes are among the cells that are decreased. Low levels of lymphocytes can be a sign of a disease or an immune system problem.
Here are some possible causes of a low lymphocyte count:
Certain medications. Your lymphocyte count can decrease if you take certain drugs, such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and certain cancer drugs.
Health conditions that can cause a low lymphocyte count include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic infections
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
- Hemophilia
- Some hereditary disorders
- Drug reactions
