Monocytes are white blood cells that help your immune system fight infections and inflammation. They are produced in your bone marrow and circulate in your blood and tissues. Monocytes can transform into macrophages or dendritic cells, specialised cells that destroy germs or alert other immune cells to join the fight.
But what happens when you have too many monocytes in your blood? This condition is called monocytosis, and it can indicate various health problems. In this blog post, we will explain what causes monocytosis, what is an alarming level of monocytes, and what you can do to prevent or treat it.
Causes of high monocytes
High monocyte levels, or monocytosis, can result from several conditions:
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Infections:
- Chronic bacterial infections: Such as tuberculosis.
- Viral infections: Including Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.
- Parasitic infections: Like malaria.
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Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues.
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Hematologic diseases:
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML): A type of cancer affecting blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
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Recovery from acute infections or stress:
- Monocyte levels may temporarily rise during the recovery phases.
Normal monocyte range
The 'normal' range of monocytes is 2-8% of the white blood cells available in your body. This level works out to some 200-800 monocytes in every microlitre of blood. For those unaware, a microlitre equals the size of a pinhead. This range is considered normal in the medical field.
High monocyte count
If the monocyte level in your body is more than the 8% upper threshold, you could be a candidate for a monocytosis disease.
Common infections causing monocytosis include:
- Tuberculosis
- Endocarditis
- Syphilis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Leukaemia or lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasm
At the other end of the spectrum, if the monocyte levels are below 2%, you could be diagnosed with monocytopenia. This condition is caused by viral infections, including measles or influenza, Sepsis, Meningitis, Aplastic anaemia, or, the use of medications such as immunosuppressants or steroids
How to treat monocytosis?
Treatment of monocytosis focuses on addressing the underlying condition:
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Infections:
- Bacterial infections: Antibiotic therapy.
- Viral infections: Supportive care or antiviral medications, depending on the virus.
- Parasitic infections: Specific antiparasitic treatments.
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Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: corticosteroids
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Biologic agents: Targeted therapies to modulate the immune response.
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Hematologic diseases:
- Chemotherapy: To target malignant cells.
- Stem cell transplantation: In certain cases of leukaemia.
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Lifestyle modifications:
- Stress management: Techniques like meditation or counselling.
- Nutritional support: Ensuring a balanced diet to support overall health.
Regularly monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment and following the lifestyle modifications suggested by the healthcare provider are key factors in ensuring a timely recovery from monocytosis.
Conclusion
Monocytosis and monocytopenia can be dangerous as they affect your immune system, making you vulnerable to infections or other complications. If you have an abnormal monocyte count, you should see your doctor to determine the cause and get the proper treatment, which may also be covered by your health insurance policy. You can also maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Doing so can boost your immune system and prevent or reduce the risk of complications from monocytosis. Additionally, having critical illness insurance can provide financial support if a severe health condition arises, giving you peace of mind as you prioritize your health.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.