Understanding the Neutrophil Function in the Immune System

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell in the human body. The body needs neutrophils to help fight infections, while protecting the body from the threat of various diseases. White blood cells play an important role in the immune system. When you are sick or injured, white blood cells will respond by producing chemicals to fight antigens, such as viruses, fungi, poisons, bacteria, and even cancer cells.

Neutrophil function

In general, white blood cells consist of several types, with the most number of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The number of neutrophils is the highest, which is around 55 to 70 percent. Neutrophils and lymphocytes have almost the same function, namely maintaining the immune system. If the lymphocyte is in charge of recognizing foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, and stimulating the production of antibodies in the body, the task of neutrophils is to fight bacterial infections. Neutrophils are produced by the body in the bone marrow and are distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. In contrast to other white blood cells with a limited circulation area, neutrophils can spread and move freely through blood vessels and enter tissues throughout the body to fight all disturbing antigens.

Calculating Neutrophil Levels

The level of neutrophils in the body can be determined through a complete blood test. Generally doctors recommend doing this test as an attempt to diagnose an illness, find out the patient's condition after chemotherapy, or monitor the progress of the disease being experienced. After the test, the doctor can determine the level of neutrophils in the blood. Ideally, neutrophil levels range from 1,500 - 8,000 cells per microliter. Each person's neutrophil levels vary, depending on gender, age, place of residence, and the equipment the doctor uses to carry out the examination. Test results are also influenced by the health conditions of each. Therefore, before the test is done, you should tell your doctor if you are doing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, or have just had surgery.

Disorders of Neutrophils

If the results of the examination show that the neutrophil level in your body is higher or lower than normal conditions, it means that there is a disturbance of the neutrophils in your body. In general, disorders of neutrophils can be divided into two, namely:

• Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a condition where the level of neutrophils in the blood is below normal. This condition can be related to several things, including hepatitis, aplastic anemia, leukemia, bone marrow damage, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, or due to the influence of chemotherapy treatment.

• Neutrophilia

The level of neutrophils in the blood that exceeds normal limits, is called neutrophilia. This condition can occur due to infection, heart problems, use of steroid drugs, injuries, severe stress, blood cancer, smoking habits, or doing strenuous exercise.

Neutrophils are an important factor in the body's immune system. Ask your doctor for a recommendation for neutrophils, if you often experience infections or other health problems related to the body's immune system.