What types of inflammation can be detected by a routine blood test?

In general, a routine blood test can help determine the presence of inflammatory conditions such as bacterial pneumonia, acute tonsillitis, acute gastroenteritis, pyelonephritis, appendicitis, and other infections. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Bacterial Pneumonia

During an episode of bacterial pneumonia, the body's immune system activates, leading to an increased total white blood cell count, particularly with a significant rise in neutrophil percentage. Neutrophils are key immune cells in fighting bacterial infections. When bacteria invade the lungs and trigger inflammation, large numbers of neutrophils migrate to the infected site to engulf the pathogens. Changes in these indicators detected by a routine blood test can assist in diagnosing bacterial pneumonia.

2. Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is often caused by bacterial infection. Following infection, the body’s immune system initiates a defense response, resulting in elevated white blood cell count and increased neutrophil proportion. Additionally, some patients may show slight changes in lymphocyte percentage. Abnormalities in these blood test parameters provide valuable reference for diagnosing acute tonsillitis.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

When acute gastroenteritis is caused by bacterial infection, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa triggers an immune response, leading to increased total white blood cell count and higher neutrophil percentage in the blood test. Moreover, if vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration, relative increases in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration may occur, which helps assess disease severity.

4. Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection affecting the kidneys and renal pelvis. The infection provokes a systemic immune response, commonly manifesting in blood tests as elevated total white blood cell count and increased neutrophil percentage. Some patients may also exhibit accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These indicators, when considered together, can aid in the diagnosis of pyelonephritis.

5. Appendicitis

During an attack of appendicitis, bacterial infection causes inflammation of the appendix. To combat the infection, the body increases its total white blood cell count and raises the proportion of neutrophils. As inflammation progresses, these abnormalities become more pronounced. Therefore, results from routine blood tests serve as one of the important references in diagnosing appendicitis.

In addition, routine blood tests may also provide clues to other inflammatory diseases. However, definitive diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation based on clinical symptoms, medical history, and additional diagnostic tests. If blood test results show abnormalities, individuals should seek timely medical attention for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment by qualified healthcare professionals. Adequate rest should also be maintained to avoid placing extra strain on the body.