HealthMedicine

Why are leukocytes in the blood raised or lowered?

Leukocytes are a group of cells that differ in function and appearance. They are characterized by a lack of coloration, as well as the presence of a nucleus. Leukocytes are formed in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. In this case, their role for the human body is very great. These blood cells are the original protectors of the body from various microbes, viruses, bacteria and foreign cells. However, they perform not only a protective function, but also actively participate in immune reactions, producing antibodies, destroying and binding malicious agents.

In its structure, all leukocytes in the blood are divided into granular and non-grained. Five groups are distinguished by species: basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes. Each of these types performs its strictly defined functions. For example, basophils contain heparin and histamine, help the body overcome allergic reactions and inflammations. Eosinophils in its composition have antihistamines. Their main task is to cleanse the body of bacteria and foreign substances. Neutrophils carry phagocintosis, and also destroy not only viruses, but also their products of vital activity (toxins). In other words, this group of leukocytes carries out the disinfection of the body. Manocytes destroy pathogens and their remnants. Lymphocytes are responsible for the production of antibodies, which increase the body's resistance in general.

Leukocytes in the blood are contained in approximately 4-9 thousand cells / μl. If the deviations from this average were found during the analysis, this may indicate two conditions: leukocytosis or leukopenia.

A leukocytosis is a condition in which leukocytes in the blood are elevated. Most often this indicates acute infections (in most cases, bacterial) or inflammatory process. However, one should know that a high level of leukocytes does not necessarily indicate a disease, sometimes there may be such a reaction to some changes in the body. For example, their number increases during pregnancy and stress, after physical stress and strain, after taking too hot or cold baths and even in the premenstrual period. In addition, the norm of leukocytes in the blood in children is generally higher than in adults. And after eating food, analysis can even be wrong. That is why it is very important to take into account all the factors when determining the result.

The diagnosis of leukopenia is made by those who have leukocytes in their blood, which in turn indicates a decrease in immunity. There may be leukopenia as simple as taking medications (anticonvulsants, analgesics, etc.), and with various viral infections (chicken pox, influenza, rubella and others). Other causes of decreased white blood cell count may include collagenoses, radiation injuries (radiation, x-rays), blood diseases, contact with substances of chemical origin (arsenic, benzene, DDT, etc.). Diseases of the spleen or nervous system, insufficiency of hematopoiesis or its violation, some endocrine diseases and metastasis in the bone marrow of tumors - all this can lead to leukopenia. However, it is often possible to observe a low level of leukocytes in the blood of old or simply depleted people.

It should not be forgotten that not only absolute, but also relative values of the contents of different forms of leukocytes are calculated in the blood analysis. Moreover, if the percentage of only a few types of leukocytes leaves the limits of the norm, then their total number is considered, if it corresponds to the norm, then the analysis is generally considered good. Thus, it is the absolute indicator that is more informative. Only on its basis it is possible to obtain a general picture of the state of health.

Similar articles

 

 

 

 

Trending Now

 

 

 

 

Newest

Copyright © 2018 en.birmiss.com. Theme powered by WordPress.