Increased lymphocytes in the blood of children - is it dangerous?

Sometimes a blood test shows that the lymphocytes in the blood of children are elevated. What does this mean? Before answering this question, it is necessary to find out what the term "lymphocytes" itself means.

What are lymphocytes?

These are cellular elements of the immune system. Lymphocytes form in the bone marrow. The main function of these cells is the identification of a foreign antigen and the facilitation of its elimination. Lymphocytes are responsible for cellular immunity. Their main mass is located in the tissues, in the blood there is only 2%. Elevated blood lymphocytes in children and adults can be on the background of bacterial and viral infections. If the number of these cells is lowered, then this indicates a malfunction in the immune system. Also, some medicines may reduce the level of lymphocytes.

The norm of the lymphocyte content

The normal amount of lymphocytes in the blood depends on the age. In an adult healthy person, they constitute 19-37% of the total mass of leukocyte milestones. In children, these indicators also depend on age. Their percentage ratio looks like this:

• In 1 day - within the limits of 12-36%;
• In 1 month - in the range of 40-76%;
• In 6 months - in the range of 42-74%;
• In 1 year - within the limits of 38-72%;
• Up to 6 years - within the limits of 26-60%;
• Up to 12 years - within 24-54%;
• In 13-15 years - in the range of 22-50%.

Why are lymphocytes raised in the blood?

As mentioned above, the most common cause of increased lymphocytes are viral infections (adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, influenza), tuberculosis, in less frequent cases hypothyroidism, brucellosis, typhoid fever. With such a bone marrow disease as lymphocytic leukemia, the amount of lymphocytes can significantly increase. Symptoms of such a dangerous ailment are weakness, an increase in lymph nodes, spleen, liver, subcutaneous hemorrhage, aches and bones.

Elevated blood lymphocytes in children can be in the presence of such "childhood diseases" as chicken pox, whooping cough, measles, rubella, mumps, scarlet fever.

It is also often enough to increase the level of these cells during the recovery period, after infectious diseases.

Is it necessary to reduce the level of lymphocytes in the blood?

If, in addition to the elevated lymphocyte count, there are no other signs of the disease, then there is no reason for concern. After the acute respiratory disease, an increased number of these cells can persist for 2-3 weeks. Sometimes this period can last 1-2 months. In any case, seek the advice should only be an experienced specialist who knows what he is talking about. Lymphocytes can be increased if the body attacks the virus, and a strong immune system renders it adequate resistance. The organism itself is able to cope with the problem. However, to support him during illness still follows. To do this, you must follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle: a sound sleep, daily walks on the street, proper nutrition, rich in protein and vegetable fats.

If the lymphocytes in the blood are increased in children, then, naturally, a doctor's consultation is necessary. After carrying out the necessary studies, he will confirm or refute the presence of inflammation in the body. The earlier the doctor identifies the disease and appoints the appropriate treatment, the sooner the recovery will come.