What can cause high neutrophils and low lymphocytes?

Question:- What can cause high neutrophils and low lymphocytes?

Answer: The combination of high neutrophils and low lymphocytes, also known as neutrophilia with lymphopenia, can be caused by several factors:

a) Acute bacterial infections

b) Stress or trauma

c) Some medications for instance, corticosteroids.

d) Some autoimmune disorders

e Some forms of cancer or treatment with chemotherapy

It is commonly registered when the body is treated with acute stress or an infection. In bacterial infections they rise because neutrophils are the first responders in the immune system to infected pathogens. At the same time, there is a reduced count of lymphocytes due to their transportation to the affected tissues or lymphoid organs. The levels of stress related hormones such as cortisol may also cause this kind of variations in white blood cells. This is also observed with some drugs mainly the corticosteroid drugs. In the cases of autoimmune diseases or in cancer, the immune system can be thrown out of proportion, thus the patterns of white blood cells. Thus, the cause should be decided by a doctor based on other investigations and physical examination.