Neutrophilia, or a higher than normal number of neutrophils, can be caused by infection, inflammation, or chronic disorders. Neutrophils are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system’s first response to foreign bodies. Neutrophilia is diagnosed with a blood test and microscopic examination.
Neutrophils are white blood cells that play an important role in the immune system. Neutrophilia refers to a higher than normal number of neutrophils, which can be caused by infection, inflammation, or chronic disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia. The neutrophil count is an invaluable tool used by doctors to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions, along with other tests.
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and are divided into a number of subtypes, including neutrophils, which are polymorphonuclear granulocytes. This refers to their nucleus, which is multi-lobed, and the granular nature of their cytoplasm, which allows for easy microscopic distinction in the laboratory. Neutrophils can be divided into banded neutrophils, which are newly formed neutrophils, and segmented neutrophils, which are mature.
The immune system is complicated and consists of numerous processes designed to protect the body from foreign bodies such as bacteria. Neutrophils are involved in the first response to any attack. When the body recognizes something foreign, such as bacteria, it sends a series of signals and neutrophils gather at that point. The neutrophils then engulf or envelop the foreign body and kill it.
Acute infectious conditions such as chickenpox, bacterial infections, and noninfectious conditions such as burns, heart attacks, and chronic myeloid leukemia can cause neutrophilia. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can also increase neutrophils as a side effect. Although some people have naturally higher neutrophil counts than others, very high counts usually need to be investigated.
There are some harmless causes of mild neutrophilia, such as stress or exercise. Newborns tend to have higher neutrophil levels for about three days after birth. After the operation, a significant increase in neutrophils can be observed within three hours. Cigarette smoking has also been associated with this condition.
A leukemoid reaction, or an increase in the white blood cell count, can be caused by medications, infections, and bleeding, among other causes. It results in a shift to the left, meaning there is a higher proportion of younger neutrophils and neutrophil precursor cells. This, put simply, shows that the body is trying to make more white blood cells to fight off an infection or attack of some kind.
Neutrophilia is diagnosed with a blood test and a microscopic examination. When monitoring your condition, your doctor will normally take into account your total white blood cell count and the breakdown into the different types of white blood cells. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of neutrophilia.
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