Lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system and have the task of protecting the body from infections and diseases. These basic functions of lymphocytes protect the body against diseases as well as helping to control excessive immune responses. The role of lymphocytes contributes to the complexity and effectiveness of the immune system, and therefore they are critical to our health.
Lymphocyte is a type of white blood cells. It is one of the key components of the immune system and protects the body against infections, cancer and other diseases. Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and then transported to the lymph tissues and bloodstream. Lymphatic tissues such as lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and thymus are necessary for the production and maturation of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are divided into the following three main groups:
- B cells: It produces antibodies. Antibodies recognize bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and bind to them, neutralizing them.
- T cells: It helps distinguish the body’s own cells from foreign cells. It destroys cancer cells that attack the body’s own cells.
- Natural killer (NK) cells: It protects the body against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
The number of lymphocytes varies depending on age, gender and lifestyle. In general, the number of lymphocytes in the blood in adults is 20-40%. High or low lymphocytes may be a sign of some health problems. High lymphocyte count can be seen in situations such as infection, cancer or an overactive immune system. Low lymphocyte count may be seen in situations such as weakened immune system, infection or side effect of some medications.
What is Lym%?
Lym% refers to the percentage of the ratio of the number of lymphocytes in the blood to the total number of white blood cells in the blood. Lym% is measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. The Lym% range is as follows:
- The normal Lym% range in adults is 20-40%.
- Lym% in school-age children is around 20-40%.
- The normal Lym% range in children varies with age.
- Lym% in babies is around 30-50%.
- Lym% in newborns is around 50-60%.
High or low Lym% may be a sign of some health problems. Therefore, if there is a change in Lym%, it is important to consult your doctor.
How many lymphocytes are dangerous?
High or low lymphocytes may be a sign of some health problems. High or low lymphocytes can be dangerous. If the lymphocyte count is above 40% in adults, it is called lymphocytosis. Lymphocytosis can be seen in the following situations:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can increase lymphocyte production.
- Some cancers can increase lymphocyte production.
- Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system being overactive, which can increase lymphocyte production.
In adults, if the lymphocyte count is below 20%, it is called lymphopenia. In this context, low lymphocyte count occurs. “What causes low lymphocyte count?” For the question, lymphopenia can be seen in the following situations:
- AIDS causes weakened defenses against infections, which can reduce the number of lymphocytes.
- Some infections can reduce the lymphocyte count.
- Some medications can reduce the lymphocyte count.
- Deficiency of some nutrients can reduce lymphocyte count. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can reduce lymphocyte count.
- Radiation therapy can reduce the lymphocyte count.
- Exposure to certain chemicals can reduce lymphocyte count.
What happens if the lymphocyte count drops?
Lymphocytes are a key component of the immune system and protect the body against infections, cancer and other diseases. If the lymphocyte count decreases, the immune system weakens, which can lead to the following problems:
- Frequently recurring infections: Lymphocytes are necessary to fight infections. If the lymphocyte count decreases, the defense against infections decreases and this can lead to frequent recurring infections.
- More severe infections: Lymphocytes are necessary to fight infections. If the lymphocyte count decreases, infections may become more severe, which may lead to more serious complications.
- Increased risk of cancer: Lymphocytes help destroy cancer cells. If the lymphocyte count decreases, it becomes difficult to prevent cancer cells from multiplying, which may increase the risk of cancer.
Symptoms of low lymphocyte count include:
- Fire
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- swelling of lymph nodes
When the lymphocyte count drops, your doctor may order tests to determine the underlying cause. It is important to consult your doctor if there is a change in lymphocytes, as a decrease in lymphocyte count can lead to serious health problems.
What should be done for low lymphocyte count?
Low lymphocyte count is when the number of lymphocytes in the blood is below normal. Lymphocytes are a key component of the immune system and protect the body against infections, cancer and other diseases. Treatment of low lymphocyte count depends on the underlying cause. Depending on the underlying cause, “How to increase lymphocytes?” The following precautions can be taken for this question:
- Strengthening the immune system: To strengthen the immune system, measures can be taken to help increase protection against infections.
- Treatment of infections: The causative agent of the infection is treated. This can be done with antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medications.
- Reducing exposure to certain drugs or chemicals: Exposure to some drugs or chemicals needs to be reduced.
- Consume protein-rich foods: Protein-rich foods such as white meat, red meat, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy products help support lymphocyte production.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C: Foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemon, orange, strawberry, broccoli, tomato and potato, help strengthen the immune system.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin D: Foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks and mushrooms, help strengthen the immune system.
- Consume foods rich in zinc: Foods rich in zinc, such as shellfish, red meat, legumes and seeds, help strengthen the immune system.
- Consume foods rich in beta carotene: Foods rich in beta carotene, such as carrots, spinach, zucchini, apricots and tomatoes, help strengthen the immune system.
It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for low lymphocyte count. Some things that can be done at home for low lymphocyte count are:
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys function properly and can contribute to normalizing blood values.
- Exercising regularly: Exercising regularly helps improve overall health and support the production of blood cells.
- Not smoking and not consuming alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can negatively affect the production of blood cells.
- Reduce stress: Stress can negatively affect the production of blood cells.
Which cancer causes low lymphocyte count?
Low lymphocyte count can be a symptom of many types of cancer. Lymphocytes are a key component of the immune system and protect the body against infections, cancer and other diseases. Low lymphocyte count causes the immune system to weaken, which can make it easier for cancer cells to proliferate. Some types of cancer associated with low lymphocyte count include:
- Leukemia: Leukemia is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal proliferation of blood cells. Leukemia is divided into two main groups: B cell leukemia and T cell leukemia. B cell leukemia is characterized by abnormal proliferation of B lymphocytes. T cell leukemia is characterized by abnormal proliferation of T lymphocytes.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes. Lymphoma is divided into two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of B lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be a cancer of B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes.
- Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are cells that produce antibodies. Multiple myeloma may reduce lymphocyte production.
Low lymphocyte count may not be the only symptom of cancer. Other symptoms associated with low lymphocyte count include:
- Getting infections frequently
- Loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness and weight loss
- swelling of lymph nodes
- Fire
Is low lymphocyte count a sign of COVID?
Low lymphocyte count may be a symptom of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus multiplies by attacking the cells of the immune system. This may reduce lymphocyte production and lead to low lymphocyte count. Low lymphocyte count may occur along with other common symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
One study found that 25% of patients with COVID-19 had low lymphocyte count. Low lymphocyte count may be a sign of the risk of severe COVID-19. If you experience low lymphocyte count along with other symptoms of COVID-19, consult your doctor. Your doctor may order tests to determine the underlying cause.