Lymphocytosis: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on: Jul 26, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Lymphocytosis: Everything You Need To Know

By eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle, we can avoid many illnesses. However, when we do fall sick, we have a backup called the immune system that prevents things from getting worse. For instance, our white blood cells fight off enemies like germs. But what will happen if their count goes up? That’s when we come across a condition called lymphocytosis. This increase in the lymphocyte — a type of white blood cell — count beyond the normal range can lead to viral infections or, in extreme cases, be the first signs of blood cancer. Read on to learn how to identify its symptoms and get the right treatment to nip it in the bud.

What is Lymphocytosis?

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that help our body’s immune system fight infections and diseases. Lymphocytosis is a condition when there’s an abnormally high level of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are mainly of two types – B cells and T cells. While B cells make antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria, T cells kill the cancerous and infected cells and control the body’s immune response to foreign bodies.

When you have higher-than-normal lymphocytes in your blood for a temporary period when recovering from a disease, it is normal. But if it persists or the level increases consistently, it indicates the presence of an infection or some inflammatory condition in your body. In some cases, the spike in lymphocyte levels could be due to cancer.

Normal Lymphocyte Count vs. Elevated Lymphocyte Count

The normal lymphocyte count varies based on age, race, lifestyle, and sex. In adults, the normal range is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per microlitre of blood. In children, the normal range is between 3,000 and 9,500 per microlitre of blood. Lymphocytes constitute about 20% to 40% of our white blood cells.

Symptoms of Lymphocytosis

Lymphocytosis may not cause any symptoms. However, common lymphocytosis symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, fever, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, frequent infections, and night sweats. Lymphocytosis is often discovered by chance during routine blood tests or when you undergo a blood test for some other condition.

Causes of Lymphocytosis

Lymphocytosis can be caused due to many factors, such as –

• Viral infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), influenza, mumps, adenovirus, hepatitis, measles, rubella, and cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Bacterial infections such as whooping cough (pertussis) or tuberculosis

• Chronic inflammatory disorders such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• Medications, such as anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, or antithyroid drugs

• Autoimmune disorders

• Cancer of the blood or lymphatic system, such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), leukaemia, and lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's).

• Stress or emotional trauma

• Smoking

Diagnosing Lymphocytosis

Based on your signs and symptoms, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination to check for enlarged lymph nodes. He/she will also ask about your medical history, such as any past illnesses or surgeries, and if you are on any medications. You may also be asked to undergo a complete blood count (CBC) test with a differential count to check the number of lymphocytes. If the blood test shows higher-than-normal lymphocytes, your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo additional tests, like flow cytometry and biopsy of bone marrow, to find the underlying cause of the high lymphocyte count.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you get infections frequently or have chronic lymphocytosis symptoms that worsen over time, it is time to seek medical attention. Blood tests will confirm if you have lymphocytosis, and treatment will be started accordingly.

Treatment Options for Lymphocytosis

The course of treatment for lymphocytosis depends on the underlying cause of the disease. The treatment options are:

• If the cause is due to viral or bacterial infections, you may be prescribed antivirals or antibiotics.

• If autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory disorders are the cause, treatment involves managing the underlying condition, such as immunosuppressive therapy and medications like corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

• If lymphocytosis is due to cancers, the treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or surgical intervention, depending on the stage and type of carcinoma.

• If you develop lymphocytosis because of the side effects of certain medications, your doctor may ask you to discontinue the medication or suggest an alternative medication.

• Lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, a healthy dietary intake, and managing stress may help manage the condition.

Is Lymphocytosis Preventable?

You cannot prevent lymphocytosis, but you can reduce the risk of getting infected by taking the below steps:

• Practice hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water before consuming food, after using the restroom, or after coming from outside.

• Avoid physical contact with infected people.

• Avoid sharing your personal items with those who are sick.

• Always disinfect surfaces and items which are commonly used if anyone in the family is sick.

How to Cope Up with Lymphocytosis?

If you have been diagnosed with lymphocytosis, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition, its causes, and potential implications. This will help you take proactive measures to reduce anxiety and stress, maintain a positive outlook, and actively participate in the treatment plan. Follow your doctor’s advice, monitor your symptoms, and keep your doctor informed about the symptoms, as these can help in managing the condition. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices, like a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, will improve your immunity and overall well-being. Talk to your healthcare provider or family if you find it emotionally challenging to deal with the condition. Finally, you must have regular follow-ups with your doctor.

FAQs

1. Is Lymphocytosis common?

Yes, lymphocytosis is a common medical condition. It may be asymptomatic and is discovered by chance during routine blood tests. Once diagnosed, treatment is required to help manage the symptoms.

2. Can lymphocytosis lead to complications?

In some cases, lymphocytosis is one of the first signs of certain blood cancers like CLL (i.e., chronic lymphocytic leukaemia). CLL is the most common form of leukaemia in adults. It’s important to seek medical attention if you get persistent infections.

3. What do high levels of lymphocytes indicate?

When you have a high lymphocyte count, it means your body is fighting an infection or illness. A high lymphocyte count for a temporary duration is not a cause of concern, but if the symptoms persist, you must see your doctor.

Conclusion

Several reasons can cause lymphocytosis, and it's essential to recognise the underlying cause for effective treatment and management. To ensure the treatment expenses don’t drain your savings, you must have the right health insurance policy with comprehensive coverage. Those above the age of 60 should have senior citizen health insurance along with critical illness insurance coverage and stay financially prepared for any kind of medical emergency.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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