Dr Rahul Bhargava Haematologist

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

Neutrophilia

Contact Us

Related Videos :

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

A normal neutrophil count ranges from 2,500 to 7,000 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Anything above this may indicate neutrophilia.

 

Neutrophilia itself is not usually harmful, but it could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

 

Yes, physical or emotional stress can temporarily increase neutrophil levels, but they usually return to normal once the stress subsides.

 

About Neutrophilia

Neutrophilia is a condition characterized by an increased number of neutrophils in the blood, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections. While it can be a natural response to infection or inflammation, it may also indicate more serious underlying conditions, including bone marrow disorders. Understanding neutrophilia helps in identifying and treating the root cause effectively.

Causes of Neutrophilia

There are several potential causes of neutrophilia, ranging from common to more serious conditions. These include:

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
  • Inflammation: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Stress and Exercise: Physical or emotional stress can cause a temporary rise in neutrophils.
  • Medications: Corticosteroids, lithium, or epinephrine can increase neutrophil counts.
  • Bone Marrow Disorders: Such as leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders.
  • Smoking: Smoking can lead to a chronic increase in neutrophil levels.

Identifying the cause is critical for proper treatment.

Types of Neutrophilia

Neutrophilia can be classified into different types based on its severity and cause:

  • Mild Neutrophilia: A slight increase, often due to infections or inflammation.
  • Severe Neutrophilia: Associated with conditions like leukemia or bone marrow disorders.
  • Chronic Neutrophilia: Continuous elevation over time, often related to chronic diseases or long-term medication use.

Symptoms of Neutrophilia

In many cases, neutrophilia may not present clear symptoms, as it is often detected during routine blood tests. However, the symptoms may align with the underlying cause:

  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Fatigue or unexplained tiredness
  • Swelling or pain in areas of infection or inflammation
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent infections or slow healing wounds

These symptoms indicate the need for medical evaluation to determine the cause of elevated neutrophils.

Diagnosis of Neutrophilia

Diagnosing neutrophilia typically begins with a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, which measures the levels of different blood cells. If elevated neutrophils are detected, further tests may be required, such as:

  • Blood Smear: To examine the appearance of neutrophils.
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy: To assess bone marrow function in cases where a bone marrow disorder is suspected.
  • Infection Testing: Blood cultures or other tests to detect the presence of infections.
  • Genetic Tests: To rule out or confirm conditions like chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing neutrophilia effectively.

Treatment of Neutrophilia

Treatment for neutrophilia depends on the underlying cause:

  • Infection-Related Neutrophilia: Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat infections.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Anti-inflammatory drugs or immune-modulating therapies are used to reduce inflammation.
  • Bone Marrow Disorders: Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or bone marrow transplants might be necessary for conditions like leukemia.
  • Lifestyle Changes: For cases related to stress, smoking, or exercise, lifestyle modifications can help normalize neutrophil levels.

Dr. Rahul Bhargava specializes in personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique condition and medical history.

Cost of Treatment and Stay in India

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

×