- Main causes of Monocytosis
- 1. Tuberculosis
- 2. Bacterial endocarditis
- 3. Recovery from infections
- 4. Rheumatoid arthritis
- 5. Hematological changes
The term monocytosis refers to the increase in the amount of monocytes circulating in the blood, that is, when more than 1000 monocytes are identified per µL of blood. The reference values of monocytes in the blood may vary according to the laboratory, however the amount of monocytes between 100 and 1000 per µL of blood is normally considered normal.
Monocytes are blood cells produced in the bone marrow and that are part of the immune system, being responsible for the defense of the organism. Thus, the amount of monocytes in the blood may increase as a result of an inflammatory and infectious process, and monocytosis can be observed mainly in tuberculosis, in the process of recovering from infections and in endocarditis. Learn more about monocytes.
Main causes of Monocytosis
Monocytosis is identified by means of a complete blood count, and it is necessary to collect a small amount of blood that is sent to the laboratory for analysis. The result is released in a specific part of the blood picture called a leukogram, where all the information related to the cells responsible for the defense of the organism can be found.
Most of the time, monocytosis is accompanied by other changes in the blood count and other tests that may have been ordered by the doctor, in addition to the fact that the patient usually has symptoms related to the cause of the change. When monocytosis occurs in isolation and without symptoms, it is recommended to repeat the blood count to check whether the number of monocytes has been regularized or whether further investigation is necessary.
The main causes of monocytosis are:
1. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis , popularly known as Koch's bacillus, a bacterium that remains in the respiratory system, causing lung involvement and leading to the appearance of some signs and symptoms, such as persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, night sweat and greenish or yellowish sputum production.
In addition to monocytosis, the doctor can check other changes in the blood count and biochemical tests. In addition, in the suspicion of tuberculosis according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person, a microbiological examination of the sputum or a tuberculin test may be requested, also called a PPD test, which aims to check the presence of the bacteria in the body. Understand what the PPD exam is and how it is done.
What to do: In the presence of any signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, it is important to go to the general practitioner, pulmonologist or infectious disease so that tests are requested, the diagnosis is indicated and the treatment is established, which is done with antibiotics. It is important that the treatment is done exactly as recommended by the doctor, even if the symptoms improve. This is because if the treatment is interrupted, it is possible that the bacteria will proliferate and regain resistance, making the treatment more difficult and may bring complications to the person.
2. Bacterial endocarditis
Bacterial endocarditis is a situation in which the internal structures of the heart are compromised by bacteria, which reach this organ through the bloodstream, leading to the appearance of signs and symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath and cough, for example.
This type of endocarditis is more common in people who use intravenous drugs, since the bacteria present on the skin can enter the bloodstream directly when the drug is applied.
In addition to changes in the blood count, the doctor can also check the changes in other laboratory, microbiological and cardiac exams, such as ultrasound of the heart and echogram. Get to know other tests that evaluate the heart.
What to do: In these cases it is important to pay attention to the appearance of signs indicating endocarditis and go to the hospital as soon as they appear, as the bacteria responsible for the disease can spread quickly and reach other organs besides the heart, further complicating the clinical picture of the patient. patient.
3. Recovery from infections
It is common that in the period of recovery from infections there is an increase in the number of monocytes, as this is indicative that the body is reacting against the infectious agent and increasing the line of defense, allowing faster and more effective elimination of the microorganism.
In addition to the number of monocytes, it is also possible to observe an increase in the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils.
What to do: If the person has been diagnosed with an infection, the increase in the number of monocytes usually represents only the recovery of the patient and the immune system. In these cases, no other attitude is necessary, and the doctor may only request another blood test after a few weeks to check whether there has been a normalization in the amount of monocytes.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is also a disease in which there may be monocytosis, because it is an autoimmune disease, that is, the cells of the immune system attack other cells in the body. Thus, there is always production of immune cells, including monocytes.
This disease is characterized by compromised joints, which are painful, swollen and stiff, with difficulty in moving them for at least 1 hour after waking up.
What to do: Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is mainly done with physical therapy in order to rehabilitate the affected joint, prevent complications and relieve pain. In addition, rheumatologists may recommend the use of medicines and adequate food, which should be done under the guidance of a nutritionist. Understand how treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is done.
5. Hematological changes
Monocytosis can also be present in blood disorders, such as anemia, lymphomas and leukemia. As monocytosis can be related to mild and severe situations, it is important that the evaluation of the result is done by the doctor together with the analysis of the other parameters of the blood count, in addition to the slide reading.
What to do: Monocitosis related to blood problems usually leads to the appearance of symptoms according to the cause. For this reason, it is recommended that the general practitioner or hematologist be informed of any sign or symptom presented, as this is taken into account when analyzing the blood count. According to the doctor's assessment, it is possible to make the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment.
