What does it mean if the percentage of monocytes is high, and what should be done?
Jul 31, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
In general, an elevated percentage of monocytes may be a normal finding in infants and children, or it may be associated with conditions such as malaria, infective endocarditis, and tuberculosis. Additionally, it could result from myelodysplastic syndromes, monocytic leukemia, or malignant lymphoma, thus requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment. In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
In general, an elevated percentage of monocytes may be a normal finding in infants and children, or it may be associated with diseases such as malaria, infective endocarditis, and tuberculosis. Appropriate treatment and analysis are required, as detailed below:
1. Normal presentation in infants and children
Monocyte levels in healthy children may be slightly higher than those in adults. In infants under two years of age, monocyte counts can be noticeably increased, which is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and typically does not require special intervention.
2. Malaria
Malaria is caused by mosquito bites or blood transmission. It can lead to symptoms such as decreased appetite, limb soreness, headache, and muscle spasms. It may also cause excessive production of monocytes. Treatment involves medications such as primaquine phosphate tablets, artesunate tablets, or artemether tablets, taken under medical supervision.
3. Infective endocarditis
This condition is usually caused by microbial infection or underlying heart conditions. Typical symptoms include general fatigue, fever, and pale skin. As the disease progresses, the percentage of monocytes in the body gradually increases. Treatment requires prescription antibiotics such as ampicillin capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or penicillin V potassium tablets, taken according to medical advice.
4. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, leading to lung damage, coughing, and breathing difficulties. It can also affect monocyte production. Treatment involves taking medications such as rifampicin tablets, isoniazid tablets, and ethambutol hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician.
In addition, elevated monocyte percentages may also result from conditions such as myelodysplastic syndrome, monocytic leukemia, or malignant lymphoma, all of which require prompt medical evaluation and treatment. In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy habits and avoid alcohol, coffee, and strong tea.
