What is LYM (Lymphocytes-Absolute / Percentage) in Blood Test? What is High and Low LYM (Lymphocyte) Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Mar 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18, 2024
LYM (Lymphocytes) in blood test is a test that measures the number of lymphocyte cells in your blood.
Lymphocytes are one of 5 types of white blood cells.
LYM (Lymphocyte) are produced in the bone marrow and help the body fight diseases and harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
Lymphocytes, an important part of the immune system, make up 20% to 40% of white blood cells.
What is A Normal LYM (Lymphocyte) Value in Blood Test ?
The normal LYM (Lymphocyte) value in the blood is 1000-4800 per microliter in adults. In children, this value is 3000-9500 per microliter. Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.
Normal LYM value varies with age. Again, different values may be seen during pregnancy.
What is High LYM (Lymphocyte) Value in Blood Test?
A high LYM (Lymphocyte) in a blood test is a value above 4800 per microliter for adults and 9500 per microliter for children.
If the LYM (Lymphocyte) value is high in the blood test, it means that the body is fighting a harmful microorganism or a different disease. The body produces extra lymphocytes to fight these foreign substances.
High LYM value in blood is called lymphocytosis.
What Causes High LYM (Lymphocyte) in Blood Test?
Hypothyroidism (thyroid failure)
Tuberculosis
Hepatitis
HIV and AIDS
Blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma
Syphilis
Mononucleosis
Infections such as whooping cough, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus
High LYM (Lymphocyte) Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
Weakness
Diarrhea
Nausea
High fever
These symptoms may be symptoms not only of high LYM but also of different underlying diseases. When experiencing these complaints, which may be symptoms of different diseases, the nearest health institution should be consulted.
How to Treat High LYM (Lymphocyte) Level?
Detection and Treatment of the Cause: The cause of lymphocytosis must be determined and the underlying cause must be treated. For example, infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Medication Adjustments: If the high lymphocyte count is the result of a drug or treatment reaction, the doctor may change medications or adjust the dosage if necessary.
Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: Aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be applied to blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Monitoring and Follow-up of the Patient: Regardless of the actual cause of lymphocytosis, the patient's condition should be monitored regularly and the response to treatment evaluated.
Treatment may vary depending on each patient's individual situation. Therefore, when a person's lymphocyte level is low or high, it is important to consult a doctor for the most accurate treatment plan. The doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment by evaluating the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other clinical findings.
What is Low LYM (Lymphocyte) in Blood Test?
A low LYM (Lymphocyte) in a blood test is a value below 1000 per microliter for adults and 3000 per microliter for children.
This condition is called lymphopenia.
If the LYM value is low in the blood test, it means that the body cannot produce enough lymphocytes. This condition can sometimes be seen temporarily in mild infections, or it can sometimes be caused by a more serious disease.
Since the immune system will work inadequately in low LYM, the body will become more vulnerable to microorganisms and diseases.
What Causes Low LYM (Lymphocyte) in Blood Test?
Causes of low LYM include:
Autoimmune diseases
Vitamin and mineral deficiency
Diseases such as HIV and AIDS
Infection
Viral hepatitis
Bone marrow disease
Chronic disease
Low LYM (Lymphocyte) Symptoms
Low LYM may not show any symptoms in the body. It is extremely rare to encounter specific symptoms, especially in adults. However, in some cases, it is possible to experience various symptoms. When LYM is low, the following symptoms may occur:
Night sweats
Skin rash
Continuous cough
High fever
Runny nose
Joint pains
Sudden weight loss.
These symptoms can occur in many different situations. It is not possible to say that all or any of these are always signs of low LYM. Since LYM is one of the building blocks of the immune system, when it is low; The immune system cannot adequately protect the body against harmful organisms. Therefore, the body becomes vulnerable to many diseases. In addition, low lymphocyte count in pregnant women can endanger the health of mother and baby. In cases of recurrent miscarriage (baby loss), expectant mothers are given a lymphocyte vaccine. Low lymphocyte count should be checked; Otherwise, diseases such as flu, cancer and AIDS may occur.
How to Treat Low LYM (Lymphocyte) Level?
Low LYM Treatment mainly depends on the underlying causes of this condition. Treatment should be arranged accordingly.
Infection Treatment: If the low lymphocyte count is caused by an infection, it can be treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs suitable for bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
Immune System Support: If lymphocytopenia indicates serious immune system problems, sometimes the patient may be prescribed immunoglobulin (antibody) supplements or other immune system modulators.