Neutrophilia: The Immune System’s Red Flag

As a health enthusiast, you're likely diligent about your annual health check-ups. While you may not notice anything unusual apart from the occasional sniffle, daily fatigue, or body aches, a routine blood test could reveal a surprising term — neutrophilia. It may sound alarming, but there’s no need to panic. When your body is threatened by bacteria, stress, or other disruptions to its normal functioning, it activates neutrophils in large numbers to protect itself. Neutrophilia, defined by an increased count of neutrophil cells in the blood, is your body’s way of signalling that something needs attention. All you need to do is listen closely and take proactive steps.

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that serve as the frontline soldiers of your immune system. Their primary role is to identify and combat infections, either by engulfing and digesting harmful particles or by releasing chemicals to eliminate them. Once the threat is neutralised, these cells typically return to normal levels. However, there are times when neutrophils remain persistently elevated without an apparent reason, leading to neutrophilia. Neutrophilia can be of two types: 

Primary neutrophilia: This type refers to abnormalities in neutrophil production that may be present since birth without any apparent cause.

Secondary neutrophilia: This type can be triggered by secondary causes, such as smoking, infection, inflammation, medications, stress, and malignancy. It is also known as reactive neutrophilia.

Here’s a closer look at the different causes of neutrophilia to help you understand it better.

• Acute Infections: Bacterial infections commonly result in higher neutrophil levels, unlike infections caused by viruses, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms like fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue could indicate a potential bacterial infection.
• Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is a common cause of mild neutrophilia. The good news? Neutrophil levels gradually drop back to normal once smoking is stopped.
• Stress: Physical as well as mental stress can trigger a rise in neutrophils. Even exercise can lead to a short-term increase in these white blood cells. 
• Cancer: Some cancers can lead to elevated neutrophil counts. If symptoms such as swelling or lumps, poor appetite, or unintended weight loss appear, it's helpful to seek a medical opinion.
• Neutrophilia can also result from recent surgeries or the use of certain medications.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there may be recurrent infections, dizziness or fainting, hypothermia, breathlessness, skin rashes, non-healing wounds, abscesses, and swollen or painful joints. It's crucial to understand that these symptoms are not a direct result of neutrophilia but are the consequences of an underlying health issue.

An unhealthy lifestyle only adds to the challenge. A low-quality diet, physical inactivity, and constant stress can harm the immune system, rendering it unable to fight severe infections. Significant mental health problems can be exacerbated by continuous stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. All these factors contribute to neutrophilia, directly as well as indirectly.

Frequently recurring or worsening symptoms that interfere with your work and productivity, along with the emergence of new symptoms, are signs that you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will jot down your medical history, take your vitals, and recommend further testing if needed to determine the reason behind the neutrophilia. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed, your healthcare provider will explain the necessary treatment and what outcomes you can expect.

In general, neutrophilia cannot be prevented entirely; a person is either born with it or develops it in response to a health hazard. The good news is that if you haven’t been diagnosed with anything substantial, you could keep neutrophilia at bay by following these simple self-care tips:

• Consider making a commitment to quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Your healthcare provider will suggest the ideal weight for you. 
• Consume a balanced meal at regular times and limit junk food intake.
• Learn relaxation techniques to manage physical as well as emotional stress.
• Safeguard yourself against common infections by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, wear masks in crowded areas, and stay up-to-date with your annual health check-ups.

Vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system to fight infections and diseases. Lack of these nutrients makes your body vulnerable to frequent illness. Ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals through fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein-rich food. A balanced diet will help your body fight infections effectively and prevent neutrophilia. 

Neutrophilia, which means high levels of neutrophils in the blood, may be associated with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and frequent infections. While neutrophilia itself is not a disease that can be treated directly, it may indicate an underlying condition that needs attention. An unhealthy lifestyle and habits such as smoking, eating junk food, and being under constant stress are red flags for your immunity and potential causes of neutrophilia. Regular health check-ups and adopting healthy habits like smoking cessation, consuming a balanced diet, managing stress, and boosting immunity with sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals can help manage and mitigate the effects of neutrophilia.

Infections caused by bacteria and other health conditions that trigger inflammation in the body, such as cancer, chronic hepatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, are all associated with neutrophilia.

Exercise, smoking, physical or emotional stress, and reactions to certain medications can all cause a spike in neutrophil levels in the body.

Neutrophilia is the body’s natural defence mechanism, activated in response to threats like infection and inflammation. The real concern lies in identifying and addressing the underlying triggers of neutrophilia, which may require medical attention and treatment.

Neutrophilia doesn’t always signal a life-threatening condition; it can also result from lifestyle factors like chronic stress, smoking, and poor diet. Regular health check-ups, including a physician consultation, and some self-care can help address these issues early.

While all vitamins and minerals are essential for a well-functioning immune system, vitamins B12 and C specifically support the production and function of all white blood cells, including neutrophils.