Low levels of mature granulocytes may suggest a health issue that may be serious.
High IG counts suggest an infection or may point to a bone marrow condition.
This article will help you to understand granulocytes and what low or high levels can mean.
JOSE LUIS CALVO MARTIN & JOSE ENRIQUE GARCIA-MAURIÃO MUZQUIZ / Getty Images
It also explains the conditions associated with high or low granulocytes, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
They all come from the same precursor, called an immature granulocyte.
They differentiate as they mature and prepare to fight disease.
The specific roles of these mature cells include:
Mast cellsalso arise from immature granulocytes.
Mast cells recognize harmful infectious organisms and aid in releasing inflammatory chemicals to help boost the immune response.
When viewed under a microscope, they develop band-like features as they mature.
These are sometimes referred to as band cells.
Eosinophils follow a similar pathway and survive for three to five days.
Immature Granulocytes
Immature granulocyte (IG) cells arise in the bone marrow.
These cells undergo stages of development (asmetamyelocytes, myelocytes, and promyelocytes) before becoming mature.
For others, the presence of IGs may indicate a health condition, some of them potentially serious.
Symptoms
The symptoms of low granulocyte levels may be similar to those of an infection.
Some medical conditions can cause granulocytes to increase.
This can cause symptoms such as:
However, certain medical issues can cause specific symptoms.
Examples include:
Treatment for high levels of granulocytes can include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
It also may include allergy medication.
Diagnosis
Granulocytosis is diagnosed with a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
Lymphocytes are a pop in of leukocyte, and granulocytes are a pop in of leukocyte.
Standard values may vary from one lab to another, but the values below are widely accepted.
For example, granulocytes can be elevated during flare-ups of inflammatory disease.
Summary
Granulocytosis is an increase in granulocytes in the blood.
Granulocytes are a throw in of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections.
Sometimes granulocytosis resolves if the condition is temporary, like an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, often granulocytosis can be treated.
Generally, specific therapies that treat the cause are used.
Yes, one or more types of granulocytes can be low.
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