Low lymphocyte percentage and low lymphocyte count
May 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
In general, low lymphocyte percentage and low lymphocyte count may be caused by conditions such as cold due to wind-cold invasion, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, leukemia, and require symptomatic treatment. In addition to the above causes, other possible reasons include myelodysplastic syndromes, cirrhosis, and AIDS.
Generally, a low percentage of lymphocytes and reduced lymphocyte count may be caused by conditions such as wind-cold感冒 (common cold due to cold exposure), rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, leukemia, and other reasons, requiring symptomatic treatment. Specific details are as follows:
1. Wind-Cold Common Cold
This condition may result from a wind-cold type of common cold leading to lowered immunity, viral infection, or bacterial infection, causing a decreased lymphocyte percentage. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as body aches, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Patients can take medications such as Fenghan Ganmao Granules, Jingfang Granules, or Waiguan Fenghan Granules under medical guidance, and should keep warm.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually associated with genetic and environmental factors, resulting in abnormal cell activity, and commonly presents with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, and weight loss. Patients may use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, triamcinolone acetonide injection, or hydrocortisone tablets under a doctor's supervision. Regular follow-up visits should be scheduled as directed by the physician.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is typically caused by infection (note: primarily bacterial, not viral—Mycobacterium tuberculosis), leading to a reduced absolute lymphocyte count, which in turn decreases the lymphocyte percentage among total white blood cells. It is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Patients can be treated with medications including isoniazid tablets, rifampicin tablets, and pyrazinamide tablets under medical supervision. Patients should maintain a positive mindset and have confidence in their treatment.
4. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
This is an autoimmune-mediated, diffuse connective tissue disease characterized prominently by immune inflammation. It may impair normal development and maturation of lymphocytes, resulting in decreased lymphocyte percentage and count, accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and butterfly-shaped rashes. Patients may take medications such as prednisone acetate tablets or methylprednisolone tablets as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Leukemia
Leukemia is a malignant neoplastic disorder of the hematopoietic system, associated with biological, chemical, physical, genetic factors, and other blood disorders. Patients may present with cold-like symptoms, as well as anemia, fever, and infections. Blood tests may reveal the aforementioned abnormalities. Targeted therapies such as imatinib mesylate tablets or dasatinib tablets may be used under medical guidance.
In addition to the above causes, other conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes, liver cirrhosis, and AIDS may also lead to similar findings. If patients discover any abnormalities through testing, they are advised to seek prompt medical care at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
