What Does A High Neutrophil Count Usually Indicate?
Most of us have little experience with our blood work, except maybe when we watch a television show that involves a doctor trying to diagnose an illness and a blood test comes back with a certain result. Without having to pause the show and search for the medical terminology on the web, we can easily assume the results of the bloodwork are both good and bad depending on what the doctor is telling the patient. In reality, most people, even those in the medical field, do not know much about bloodwork details, especially when it comes to what the different types of cells in the blood mean when they are higher or lower than normal.
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Neutrophils
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is part of our immune system. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell, accounting for 60-70% of all white blood cells. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream for about 12 hours. Once neutrophils leave the bloodstream, they enter tissues where they can fight infection. Neutrophils are phagocytic, which means they can engulf and destroy foreign particles, such as bacteria and fungi. Neutrophils also release antimicrobial substances that can kill bacteria.
A high neutrophil count is usually an indication of infection. This is because the body produces more neutrophils in response to infection. Infections that can cause a high neutrophil count include:
1. Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and urinary tract infections
2. Viral infections, such as influenza and Epstein-Barr virus
3. Fungal infections, such as Candida and Aspergillus
4. Parasitic infections, such as malaria and toxoplasmosis
Benefits
A high neutrophil count can help the body fight off infection. Neutrophils are able to kill bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. They also release antimicrobial substances that can help to clear infections.
In addition to helping the body fight off infection, a high neutrophil count can also help to:
1. Promote wound healing. Neutrophils help to clear away dead and damaged tissue, which allows wounds to heal more quickly.
2. Reduce inflammation. Neutrophils release cytokines that can help to reduce inflammation.
What Does A High Neutrophil Count Usually Indicate?
A high neutrophil count is usually an indication of infection. However, there are other conditions that can also cause a high neutrophil count, such as:
1. Stress. Stress can cause the body to produce more neutrophils.
2. Exercise. Exercise can also cause a temporary increase in neutrophil count.
3. Certain medications. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause a high neutrophil count.
4. Chronic inflammatory conditions. Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, can also cause a high neutrophil count.
Symptoms Of A High Neutrophil Count
A high neutrophil count is usually not associated with any symptoms. However, if the high neutrophil count is caused by an infection, you may experience symptoms such as:
1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Fatigue
4. Muscle aches
5. Headache
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Diarrhea
Treatment For A High Neutrophil Count
The treatment for a high neutrophil count depends on the underlying cause. If the high neutrophil count is caused by an infection, you will need to be treated for the infection with antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal medications. If the high neutrophil count is caused by another condition, such as stress or exercise, no treatment is usually necessary.
When To See A Doctor
You should see a doctor if you have a high neutrophil count and you are experiencing symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, and fatigue. You should also see a doctor if you have a high neutrophil count and you are not sure what the cause is.
FAQs
1. What is a normal neutrophil count?
The normal range for neutrophil count is 1,500-8,000 per microliter of blood.
2. What causes a high neutrophil count?
A high neutrophil count is usually caused by an infection. However, other conditions, such as stress, exercise, and certain medications, can also cause a high neutrophil count.
3. What are the symptoms of a high neutrophil count?
A high neutrophil count is usually not associated with any symptoms. However, if the high neutrophil count is caused by an infection, you may experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. How is a high neutrophil count treated?
The treatment for a high neutrophil count depends on the underlying cause. If the high neutrophil count is caused by an infection, you will need to be treated for the infection with antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal medications. If the high neutrophil count is caused by another condition, such as stress or exercise, no treatment is usually necessary.
5. When should I see a doctor about a high neutrophil count?
You should see a doctor if you have a high neutrophil count and you are experiencing symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, and fatigue. You should also see a doctor if you have a high neutrophil count and you are not sure what the cause is.
Conclusion
A high neutrophil count is usually an indication of infection. However, there are other conditions that can also cause a high neutrophil count. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of your high neutrophil count so that you can receive the appropriate treatment.
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