Understanding Lymphocytosis: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Attention

Among all the trials and tribulations one may have to go through in life, health concerns are one of the rather unforeseeable ones. Although you may prepare to either face them or prevent them, or both, they may pop up unannounced. When thinking of such health concerns, issues such as lymphocytosis may not be the first thought for a lot of people. However, smaller issues when left unattended, could spell bigger troubles for your health. Having a health insurance policy to cover you for health issues big and small is a simple way to stay financially safe in the face of healthcare emergencies.* However, it is also important to know what concerns could plague your health. Lymphocytosis is one of the common issues that could affect you. While it is a simple health concern, it is important to seek the right treatment in time so you may not have to deal with complications.

Lymphocytes and Lymphocytosis

To understand what lymphocytosis is, let’s first take a look at what lymphocytes are and why are they important. Lymphocytes are one of the white blood cells in your body, whose levels in your blood depend on whether your body is fighting diseases. They start their journey in the bone marrow and find their way into the bloodstream. They are a type of cell that plays a role in your immunity. These cells are mainly classified as B cells and T cells. Having a higher-than-usual level of lymphocytes when recovering from a disease may not be a cause for concern. This may last for a limited duration. However, if high levels of lymphocytes are observed consistently, it may be a case of lymphocytosis.

Common Symptoms of Lymphocytosis

To the naked eye, it can be quite difficult to spot lymphocytosis. The condition does not present with any evident symptoms that could point to it directly. One of the simplest ways to understand whether a person is dealing with lymphocytosis is to check the levels of lymphocytes in the blood. However, you may find that if your lymph nodes are swollen as a result of an infection, it may be leading to lymphocytosis. While this is one of the ways to suspect lymphocytosis, one may only be able to be sure about this only through blood tests.

Treatment Options For Lymphocytosis

Before your healthcare provider can decide on the necessary course of treatment for lymphocytosis, it would be crucial for them to determine the cause behind your condition. They may want to dive into your medical history, lifestyle, and medications you are on or have been in the past. A retest may be done to check whether the high count of lymphocytes was a temporary occurrence. Based on these factors, a suitable treatment course may be decided. Following are some of the common alternatives considered when dealing with lymphocytosis:

Treatment of Underlying Infection

If the lymphocytosis is due to a bacterial or viral infection, treatment typically involves addressing the infection directly. This may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral infections.

Management of Autoimmune Disorders

In cases where lymphocytosis is associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), treatment focuses on managing the underlying autoimmune condition. This may involve medications such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic therapies to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Chemotherapy for Leukaemia or Lymphoma

In instances where lymphocytosis is caused by leukemia or lymphoma, treatment may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation, depending on the specific type and stage of the cancer.

Medication Adjustment

If lymphocytosis is medication-induced, adjusting or discontinuing the offending medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional may be necessary.

Monitoring and Observation

In cases where lymphocytosis is mild and transient, especially if no underlying cause is identified, monitoring and observation may be sufficient.

Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration may help manage lymphocytosis, particularly if stress or dehydration is contributing to the condition. It's important for individuals with lymphocytosis to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and medical history. The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional. Depending on your healthcare needs, you may have to spend a significant amount on treatment and recovery from your pocket if you do not have the right sort of health insurance. To take the first step to get a health policy that helps you save money when facing health emergencies, you can start by choosing a general insurance provider with a high claim settlement ratio. You can then use a health insurance calculator to understand the premium you may have to pay for the policy and coverage you seek.* The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.   *Standard T&C Apply Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.