Neutrophils comprise a white blood cell type that act as the body’s first line of defence, fighting off infections and healing injuries. They are the most abundant and the first to arrive at the site of infection, where they engulf and destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders. Neutrophils communicate with other immune cells and help regulate inflammation and tissue repair. Neutrophils are produced extensively in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream for a few hours before they die or migrate into the tissues. Let’s look at what level of neutrophils is dangerous for the body.
What are neutrophils?
Your body’s white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are important for your immunity. These are of two broad types – granulocytes and agranulocytes. Neutrophils are a kind of granulocyte white blood cells. They form an important component of your immune system.
What do neutrophils do?
Neutrophils, along with eosinophils and basophils, travel throughout the circulatory system to check and prevent attacks from foreign bodies like bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents.
When disease-causing microorganisms enter our body, neutrophils fight against them. They secrete certain chemical messengers to activate other immune cells, which then ingest and destroy the foreign bodies. When your body fights against these infections, it causes redness, swelling, and inflammation.
How many neutrophils are in my body?
White blood cells contribute to 1% of the total cells in your body. Neutrophils contribute to around 50 to 70% of the total leukocytes in the human body.
Average count of neutrophils
The number of neutrophils in your blood is called the absolute neutrophil count. The average count of neutrophils found in a healthy person is around 2500 to 7000 neutrophils in one microlitre of blood. If this number goes below or above this value, you have to consult a doctor immediately.
What is an alarming level of neutrophils?
An alarming level of neutrophils implies that the number of neutrophils in the body is too high or too low. Such a condition can lead to a health problem. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) measures the number of neutrophils in the blood. The normal range in an active adult ranges from 2,500 to 7,000 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Hence, neutrophil numbers above 7,000 or below 2,500 per microliter of blood can indicate a neutrophil-related condition.
A high neutrophil count is called neutrophilia. The possible causes of this condition are:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Fungal infections
- Parasitic infections
- Injuries
- Stress
- Medications
- Cancers
A low neutrophil count is called neutropenia. This condition indicates that your body does not have enough neutrophils to fight infections and heal wounds. Some possible causes of neutropenia are:
- Bone marrow problems
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications
- Infections
- Genetic disorders
You can overcome low neutrophil levels by eating foods rich in vitamins B9 and B12, such as eggs, milk, and other dairy products.