LYMPHOPENIA Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphopenia is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and diseases. Therefore, a reduction in the number of lymphocytes can weaken the immune response and make the individual more susceptible to various illnesses.
The normal range of lymphocytes in adults is typically between 1,000 and 4,800 cells per microliter of blood. Lymphopenia is diagnosed when the lymphocyte count falls below this range. It can be caused by various factors, such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, bone marrow diseases, radiation therapy, and certain medications.
Symptoms of lymphopenia may vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common signs can include recurrent infections, frequent colds or flu-like symptoms, persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, slow wound healing, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Treatment for lymphopenia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve treating infections, adjusting medications, or managing underlying medical conditions. In some cases, the administration of immune-boosting medications or the infusion of donated lymphocytes may be necessary to increase lymphocyte counts and improve immune function.
Regular monitoring of lymphocyte counts and working closely with a healthcare provider can help manage and address lymphopenia effectively. Understanding and addressing any underlying causes of lymphopenia is crucial to support immune health and overall well-being.
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A reduction, relative or absolute, in the number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOPENIA
- kymphopenia
- pymphopenia
- oymphopenia
- ltmphopenia
- lgmphopenia
- lhmphopenia
- lumphopenia
- l7mphopenia
- l6mphopenia
- lynphopenia
- lykphopenia
- lyjphopenia
- lymohopenia
- lymlhopenia
- lym-hopenia
- lym0hopenia
- lympgopenia
- lympbopenia
- lympnopenia
Etymology of LYMPHOPENIA
The word "lymphopenia" is derived from two Greek roots: "lympho-" and "-penia".
The term "lympho-" refers to lymph, which is a colorless fluid that plays a crucial role in the immune system by carrying white blood cells, absorbing fats from the digestive system, and removing waste materials from tissues. It is derived from the Greek word "lympha" meaning "clear water".
The suffix "-penia" comes from the Greek word "penia", meaning "lack" or "deficiency". In medical terminology, it is commonly used to denote a decrease or reduction in the number of cells or components. For example, terms like "leukopenia" (reduction in white blood cells) or "thrombocytopenia" (reduction in platelets) use the same "-penia" suffix to describe a deficiency.
Similar spelling words for LYMPHOPENIA
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