Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. They are produced in the bone marrow and then travel to the bloodstream, where they can quickly travel to the site of an infection. Neutrophils engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the number of different types of blood cells, including neutrophils. The normal range for neutrophils in a CBC is 2,500 to 7,000 cells per microliter of blood.

A high neutrophil count, called neutrophilia, can be a sign of a number of conditions, including:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Autoimmune diseases
• HIV/AIDS

A low neutrophil count, called neutropenia, can be a sign of a number of conditions, including:

• Aplastic anemia
• Bone marrow suppression
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer treatment
• Medications
• Stress

There is no specific treatment to improve neutrophil levels. Treatment is focused on the underlying condition that is causing the abnormal neutrophil count. For example, if the abnormal neutrophil count is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the abnormal neutrophil count is caused by leukemia, chemotherapy may be prescribed.

Here are some lifestyle changes that may help to improve neutrophil levels:

• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep helps to improve the body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to fight infection and inflammation.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to improve the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Manage stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to fight infection and inflammation. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, can help to improve neutrophil levels.

If you are concerned about your neutrophil levels, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to do further tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

In addition to the above, here are some other things you can do to improve your neutrophil levels:

• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the bone marrow and make it difficult for the body to produce white blood cells.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can suppress the immune system and make it difficult for the body to fight infection.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccinations help to protect the body from infection.
• Take care of your overall health: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help to keep the immune system strong.

Note: Sandra’s absolute neutrophils are high, according to the Allina MyChart results. 5.4 on 3/22/23 and 10.5 on 5/13/23. They have fluctuated over the years: 3 in 2019, 11.6, 4.9, and 6.6 in 2022, 6.6, 8.5, 10.2, 5.4, and 10.5 in 2023. I will find out what the difference between the numbers used to calculate the result.