Leukocytes in the blood, the norm of which is established by scientists, are white blood cells without independent coloration. Their main function is protective. Leukocytes take part in protecting the body from all sorts of external and internal stimuli, and changing their number can lead to very unpleasant consequences.
What are white blood cells?
Almost everyone has the idea of these blood cells. Leukocytes in the blood, whose norm varies with age, are the most important cells in the immune system. Their main task is to protect the body from external and internal stimuli. Move the body not only through the bloodstream. They are able to penetrate through the vascular walls into tissues and organs. And then go back to the channel. Once the leukocytes in the blood show a danger, they go to the right place. Moving on the tissues they are assisted by pseudopods.
Leukocytes in the blood, the norm of which is known to all specialists, grab potentially dangerous cells, digest them and then die. In addition to the destruction of alien particles, white corpuscles utilize all sorts of unnecessary elements (such as microbial remains or dead white blood cells). Another function of these cells can be considered the production of antibodies to pathogenic elements, due to which resistance is developed to individual ailments - those that the person has previously suffered from.
There are different leukocytes in the blood, the norm of which can be determined by the study. And their functions are somewhat different:
- Neutrophils. They are formed in the bone marrow. The main tasks of these bodies are participation in phagocytosis, the development of antimicrobial substances and detoxification.
- Lymphocytes. The most important leukocytes in the blood and their norm is important for the healthy functioning of the body. They constantly monitor all systems and organs and look for alien bodies. These cells account for about 35% of the total number of leukocytes.
- Monocytes. They act throughout the body. Capable of capturing particles of equal size.
- Basophils. These bodies contain heparin with histamine. Basophils are involved in the development of allergies.
- Eosinophils. Also participate in the creation of allergic reactions. In the presence of parasites in the body, eosinophils penetrate into the intestine, are destroyed in it and thus secrete toxins capable of destroying helminths.
The norm of leukocytes in the blood
Normal values for different patients may vary. The content of leukocytes in the blood affects the age, time of day, diet, the nature of the work. In analyzes, the level of white bodies is indicated by the relative total number of immune cells. Minor deviations from the norm are allowed. But to make sure that this does not indicate any problem, it is advisable to conduct an additional examination.
The norm of leukocytes in the blood of women
The number of white bodies is one of the most important indicators in the analysis of human blood. In the body of an adult female leukocytes should be from 3.2 * 109 / L to 10.2 * 109 / L. The fluctuation in the level of immune cells occurs in two cases: in diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues and in pathologies of other organs and systems. The number of corpuscles is influenced by the phase of the menstrual cycle with a hormonal background. Because leukocytes in the blood during pregnancy strongly jump, and the norm is considered, if their level reaches 15 * 109 / l.
The norm of leukocytes in the blood of men
In representatives of the stronger sex in the blood should be from 4 to 9 * 109 / L of white blood cells. Their level in the male body varies little in comparison with other groups of patients. The number of leukocytes in the blood can be affected by such factors:
- unusual physical activity;
- stress;
- changing the diet.
The norm of leukocytes in the blood of children
If in the organisms of adults the number of white bodies is approximately the same, then the white blood cells in the blood of the child are significantly different. Their level fluctuates even depending on the age of the children:
- in children up to a month: 8 - 13 * 109 / l;
- in children from 2 to 12 months: 6 - 12 * 109 / l;
- in children from one year to 3 years: 5 - 12 * 109 / l;
- in children from 3 to 6 years: 5 - 10 * 109 / l;
- in children from 6 to 16 years: 5 - 9.5 * 109 / l.
The increased content of immune cells is explained by the fact that a greater number of various processes occur in the child's body. All the organs and systems of the baby are rebuilt and adapted to life outside the mother's womb. In addition, the formation of immunity, which causes an increase in leukocytes in the blood. As they mature, their level goes down. When this happens, it means that the immune system has strengthened.
Leukocytes in the blood are elevated
Physiological leukocytosis can occur in every organism, and this does not represent a health hazard. Often elevated leukocytes in the blood are observed in stressful situations. This is a temporary leukocytosis, and as soon as a person returns to a state of rest, the number of white bodies also comes back to normal. Patients, as a rule, do not experience any special symptoms with increasing white blood cells. Although some complain of weakness, increased fatigue, malaise.
Elevated white blood cells in the blood - what does this mean?
The causes of elevated leukocytes in the blood are usually associated with the presence of an inflammatory process. It can be caused by physiological and pathological processes. In most cases, if the leukocytes in the blood are increased, the reasons for this are as follows:
- infection (pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, pyelonephritis and others);
- inflammations caused by pathogenic microorganisms (abscesses, boils, phlegmon, peritonitis, appendicitis);
- uremia;
- diabetic coma ;
- large-scale burns;
- non-infectious inflammation ( arthritis , lupus erythematosus);
- malignant tumors;
- myocardial infarction .
What if the white blood cells are elevated in the blood?
Basically, an increase in the number of white blood cells indicates a correct functioning of the immune system: they identify the danger and begin to fight it. Therefore, it is not worth worrying about that high white blood cells are found in the blood. Leukocytosis for health does not affect almost anything. But it is important to understand why their level has grown - what kind of problem led to this. And as soon as the original cause is identified and cured, the indicators will automatically return to normal.
Leukocytes in the blood are lowered
Like leukocytosis, leukopenia in most cases is asymptomatic. But the immunity of people with this pathology is greatly weakened, because of which it is very difficult to avoid infection with various infections. Therefore, if a person is often sick, he should pass tests. It is very likely that all cold symptoms, in the absence of pain in the throat and runny nose, cause just the lowered leukocytes in the blood.
Leukocytes in blood are lowered - what does it mean?
White blood cells are highly sensitive to harmful external influences and internal changes in the body. The main reasons why low leukocytes in the blood, look like this:
- age-related changes occurring in the bone marrow, leading to its premature aging and replacement of normal hematopoietic tissues by connective;
- impact of particles of ionizing radiation or radiation on the cells of the red bone marrow;
- bone marrow hypoplasia;
- hereditary predisposition (sometimes leukopenia develops as a result of mutation of genes);
- HIV ;
- depletion of the body caused by starvation, problems with digestion, severe illness or injury;
- autoimmune processes, leading to the production of antibodies to the body's own tissues (including the tissues of leukocytes);
- immunodeficiency (both congenital and acquired);
- endocrine pathologies;
- bone marrow lesion, characteristic of leukemia, and metastasis of malignant neoplasms in its tissue;
- acute or prolonged, which have become chronic, bacterial lesions.
What if the leukocytes in the blood are lowered?
Leukopenia must be carefully diagnosed. Otherwise, if it develops longer than 6 weeks, a person runs the risk of contracting an infection that will be worse than usual. Increasing level of leukocytes in blood therapy is selected depending on what led to a decrease in the number of these cells. Since in most cases, leukopenia develops as a consequence of other ailments, treatment should be directed at combating the latter.