Monocytes are blood cells related to leukocytes, which play an important role in maintaining the normal state of the body. They fight with infections, tumors, parasites, participate in the cleavage of dead cells and blood clots. Given the importance of monocytes, doctors are not for nothing that worry about their level in the blood. A decreased or elevated level of monocytes in the blood can speak of various abnormalities and disorders in the physiology of the body.
The norm of the monocyte content in the blood
In adolescents over 13 years and adults, the number of monocytes within 3-11% of the total number of white blood cells is normal. Elevated levels of monocytes in the blood indicate the presence of influences on the composition of blood diseases. This phenomenon is called monocytosis.
The amount of lymphocytes can also differ from the norm, because they accompany monocytes everywhere and play the role of deactivators of inflammatory processes. Therefore, a result can be observed when both lymphocytes and monocytes are elevated simultaneously. However, the change in the number of these two types of cells does not always occur in the same direction. For example, lymphocytes can be lowered, and monocytes raised.
Blood test for monocyte level
Blood to determine the number of monocytes must be taken to an empty stomach from the finger.
Monocytosis, depending on which blood cells change in quantity, can be:
- relative - increased monocytes and other cells;
- absolute - increased only monocytes.
The causes of elevated levels of monocytes in the blood
Typically, a blood test shows that monocytes are elevated, already at the height of the disease. This is because the formation of a large number of monocytes occurs after the body receives a signal about a progressive malicious process.
The reasons for which monocytes in the blood are increased may be as follows:
- cancer tumor;
- fungal disease;
- viral disease;
- rickettsiosis;
- mononucleosis;
- infective endocarditis;
- brucellosis;
- tuberculosis;
- syphilis;
- enteritis;
- colitis;
- sarcoidosis;
- chronic myelogenous leukemia;
- acute leukemia;
- lymphogranulomatosis ;
- true polycythemia;
- thrombocytopenic purpura;
- osteomyelophybrosis;
- some operations (especially for the female part and for the removal of the appendix);
- rheumatism;
- systemic lupus erythematosus ;
- sepsis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- polyarthritis;
- mumps.
In addition to the above reasons, it should be added that almost always after recovery and getting rid of many diseases, the level of monocytes rises, which is temporary.
Treatment with an elevated level of monocytes
When monocytes in the blood are raised, the treatment depends, first of all, on the cause of this phenomenon. Of course, it is easier to cure monocytosis, which arose from non-serious diseases, for example, fungus. However, when it comes to leukemia or a cancerous tumor, the treatment will be
The percentage of unsuccessful treatment of monocytosis, for example, in leukemia, is close to one hundred. This means that if a monocyte deviates from normal, you should immediately consult a doctor, in order to prevent further development of the disease. This is necessary regardless of whether you are sure or not in a state of health. After all, despite the fact that the body can cope with many infections and other alien invasions, serious diseases should still be treated in a medical hospital rather than experiencing fate at home.