Neutrophils are included in classifying white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils). That is, they are a type of white blood cell. These represent the most common type responsible for responding and reaching the site of infection. It is considered the first immune cell that defends the body against bacterial and fungal infections. Neutrophils usually have a half-life of approximately 24 to 48 hours, are produced in the bone marrow, and are released into the bloodstream.
Of the 100% of the white blood cells or leukocytes that our body has, neutrophils represent approximately 70% in our blood. They are considered great allies in the immune system. That is why they are called the first line of defense against pathogens. They may change their levels or quantity. For example, in an analysis, they may be increased. At FastlyHealwe will explain everything about high blood neutrophils, their meaning, and more relevant details.
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What are the average values of neutrophils?
Before knowing what a high blood neutrophil value means, we must understand the values considered normal. The average values of neutrophils ranged between 45% and 75% of circulating leucocytes, which is about 2500 to 7500 neutrophils per milliliter of blood.
Medically some concepts must be made clear. Neutrophilia is the term used when there is an increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood, and neutropenia is the time used when there is a reduction in the number of neutrophils.
Physiologically, when there is a bacterial infectious process, the bone marrow increases the production of neutrophils, causing their blood concentration to rise. Given their half-life, the infectious process is controlled. The bone marrow will gradually reduce the production of these new cells (neutrophils) as the bacterial process is controlled.
How Neutrophils Work
Neutrophils are the first cells to reach the site of infection. This is because they receive the warning signals emitted by lymphocytes and macrophages (chemicals that attract leukocytes) through cytokines (which are messengers) and that are present both in the host (human body) and in the bacteria, thus facilitating the action of neutrophils.
Neutrophils act through protective mechanisms: first, phagocytosis, in which neutrophils ingest the invading microorganism to attack it and defend the body. The second is degranulation, where the neutrophils release granules on the invading microorganism to the outside, capable of destroying and killing the offending germ. And finally, neutrophils also contribute to the development of the inflammatory process by releasing substances that benefit it—creating a kind of barrier, separating it from the rest of the healthy tissue, and preventing the microorganism from being distributed in healthy areas.
What does it mean to have high blood neutrophils – the causes
A high number of neutrophils in the blood indicates that the immune system responds to an infectious attack. The symptoms will be varied because they will be associated with the underlying disease causing the neutrophilia, that is, high blood neutrophils; In this sense, the condition of neutrophilia itself is asymptomatic. However, neutrophilia is the leading cause of leukocytosis on a blood test.
Also, some more common symptoms of neutrophilia can be listed :
- Bleeding: leading to hypotension, tachycardia, and eventually sepsis.
- Hypothermia: decrease in body temperature, which will appear according to the type of infection suffered by the patient.
- Increased respiratory rate: expected in infectious respiratory processes.
- Fever: represents a frequent indication of infection. It is known that the presence of this symptom is directly proportional to neutrophilia.
High blood neutrophils are basically due to well-described reasons, which include the following possible causes :
- Acute infections such as bacterial, viral, and fungal: are caused by specific agents that trigger neutrophilia.
- Tissue damage: tissue damage, such as those caused by burns, trauma, surgery, or heart attack, generates a non-infectious inflammatory process that can activate the increase in neutrophils or neutrophilia.
- Hemorrhage: which can facilitate the inflammatory process, inducing neutrophilia.
- Sepsis: sepsis generates an activation in the bone marrow to release neutrophils that fight the infectious process.
- Inflammatory processes without infection: triggered by burns or by autoimmune conditions.
- Medications: Some, such as corticosteroids and epinephrine, can activate neutrophils.
- Cancer: such as sarcomas, carcinomas, or bone marrow disorders.
- Smoking: generates an inflammatory process and, in turn, activates the standard mechanism of neutrophils, increasing their blood values.
What to do if I have high blood neutrophils
These values can roughly be determined in a routine blood test or examination; however, if the doctor considers that information about blood cells such as leukocytes (white blood cells), platelets, and red blood cells (red blood cells) needs to be precisely determined, a blood count is requested.
Neutrophilia is the bodily result of an infection (the higher the infectious process, the higher the neutrophil values), so treatment should attack the underlying cause once determined by the specialist. In the case of inflammations, neutrophilia generally subsides when the inflammatory process has been combated.
Finally, before considering how to lower the levels of neutrophils in the blood, the first thing to do is look for the origin of the problem. At FastlyHealwe, remind you that the best way to treat diseases is by attending a timely, pertinent, and timely medical assessment, performing laboratory tests, and taking into account the appropriate and precise treatment of the underlying cause of neutrophilia under the indication. Of a doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.