Neutrophilia is a medical condition that involves the increase of neutrophil in the blood or serum. This is considered as the most common form of leukocytosis, a condition that involves the increase of leukocytes (white blood cells). The neutrophils are responsible in killing or assistance of fighting off the foreign materials found in the body such as bacteria and fungi. In other words, the neutrophils are vital in the defense against microorganisms that harm the body. These agents are responsible in the infectious process that develops after an invasion of such pathogenic agents.
Picture of Peripheral smear showing neutrophilia condition
The causes of neutrophilia are the following:
- Acute infection. Infection such as caused by certain agents would trigger neutrophilia. Bacterial and viral infections are just some of the common neutrophilia-causing infections. Fungal infections are also included in the list.
- Inflammation. There are noninfectious inflammations that would trigger increase of neutrophils. These inflammation-triggering conditions are burns; post operation, autoimmune conditions, and an acute attack of myocardial infarction are just some of the states that induce elevation of neutrophil levels. Trauma or tissue damage induces an inflammatory reaction.
- Metabolic processes. There are certain conditions that are out of the normal which causes neutrophilia. These are diabetic ketoacidosis, uremia and preeclampsia.
- Hemorrhage. Sudden hemorrhage can facilitate inflammatory process to work, thus inducing neutrophilia.
- Sepsis. This induces the bone marrow to release neutrophils in order to fight off the infection.
- Cigarette smoking. This can induce elevation of neutrophils in the system due to the inflammation that it results to.
- Stress. Basically, there shall be increased neutrophils once stress strikes such as instances where a person is anxious and has a seizure episode.
- Drugs. Taking of certain drugs seem to elevate WBC count and those are corticosteroids.
- Malignancy such as (cancer) carcinoma, sarcoma, etc. could cause neutrophilia.
The symptoms for neutrophilia are presented and a result from the underlying condition that have caused it. As laboratory results would show that there is increase of neutrophils level in the blood (> 7500/ mm3). Here are the signs and symptoms of neutrophilia:
- Infection. This is in congruence with the systemic inflammatory response from an acquired infection. As there are increased neutrophils, as part of the inflammatory process responsible in helping to fight off disease condition.
- Bleeding leading to hypotension, tachycardia and most probably sepsis.
- Hypothermia or decreased body temperature.
- Tachypnea and dyspnea would most likely happen. These are respiratory-related symptoms.
In order to diagnose such condition, he or she shall undergo first with the basic collection of the medical history and physical examination. This is essential in order to trace the origin of the condition and to properly treat the disease process. The next identifying procedure is blood examinations. An isolated WBC count is essential in order to identify individually the WBC components that has elevated.
This test is also referred as CBC differential that interprets the total blood count. Another test for such condition is the bone marrow aspiration, which shall identify for presence of leukemia, a possible cause of leukocytosis – neutrophilia.
In the treatment course for neutrophilia, it aims to directly treat the underlying condition behind it. As one is diagnosed to have such condition, it is necessary that the cause of the condition should be treated so that further progress of neutrophilia shall be avoided.
As experts has presented, treatment for neutrophilia is not necessary for this is somehow a process in the inflammatory process. However, when an underlying condition is involved in such manner, one should take charge in treating it. Here are some of the tips and remedies for neutrophilia:
- Referral to a hematologist. This is necessary in order to identify certain conditions, such as blood problems. There might be abnormal enlargement of the spleen that is why neutrophilia is present.
- Bone marrow aspiration. This shall identify presence of hematological problem. Bone marrow depression may be present that is why testing the sample from the bone marrow aspiration is necessary.
- Close supervision of the blood results are indeed necessary in order to check progress of the condition. This is needed to be monitored so that success of the treatment course can be attained.
- Discuss with the doctor the need of taking drugs that could cause neutrophilia. Asking for alternative medications from such should be helpful in preventing the disease process.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle so that one can avoid acquiring acute infections that are highly causative of neutrophilia. Having yearly influenza shots can also avoid acquiring viral infections. Reduce or slowly stop bad habits that can alter one’s natural defenses of the body is a preventive measure for neutrophilia.