Get to know basophils, leukocytes that are important in the immune system

White blood cells or leukocytes are of various types with different functions. One type of leukocytes in your blood are basophils. The amount is only 0.5-1% in white blood cells. Even so, their function is no less important than other types of leukocytes. Anything? Check out the full explanation below.

What do basophils do?

Basophils are a type of leukocytes (white blood cells) which also form in the bone marrow. The smallest amount is found in the blood circulation, which is only in some body tissues.

The normal basophil count is only 0-300 / mcL in white blood cells, or the equivalent of 0.5-1 percent.

Quoted from a journal published by the British Society for Immunology, the lifespan of these white blood cells in the body tends to be short. It is estimated, this type of leukocytes only lasts 1-2 days.

Although a little, its function is still important for the body. Similar to other types of leukocytes, basophils function for immunity, such as fighting infections.

In more detail, here are some of the functions of basophils:

1. Innate immune system

In the immune system, this type of white blood cell does not work by making you immune to infections ever happen. However, basophils function to recognize new foreign objects that have never previously entered the body.

These white blood cells are considered to be the type of leukocytes that are most effective in protecting the body from bacteria and parasites.

2. Bringing up an allergic reaction

This type of white blood cell also plays a role in causing allergic reactions, particularly in the release of histamine and leukotrienes. Indeed, basophils are not the only producers of these two substances. However, these white blood cells are thought to produce both quickly.

Later, the released histamine will encourage the body to form antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IgE will then fight allergy triggers so that an allergic reaction occurs. These reactions usually cause symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, or on the skin.

3. Prevent blood clots

These white blood cells also contain a substance called heparin. Heparin is a natural blood thinner in the body. This means that basophils also play a role in preventing blood clots from occurring.

What if my basophils are too low or too high?

This white blood cell count can be determined through a differential blood test, which measures the number of each type of white blood cell in the body. This examination is used to diagnose various medical conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, anemia, inflammation, leukemia, and other types of cancer.

Basophil levels above or below normal can indicate a certain condition in your body. Any infection or acute stress can cause your white blood cell count to rise. In addition, abnormal levels of white blood cells can also result from inflammation, immune response, or blood diseases, such as leukemia.

Basophil levels are above normal

When these types of leukocytes are above normal levels, you are experiencing a condition called basophilia. Basophils that are too high can be caused by:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Polycythemia vera
• Primary myelofibrosis
• Essential thrombocythemia
• Tumor

Other, more common causes of basophilia are:

• Allergic reactions or chronic inflammation associated with infections (including influenza and tuberculosis)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Influence of several drugs and food

Symptoms caused by basophil levels above normal can vary depending on the cause. For example, if basophilia is caused by an allergic reaction, you may experience symptoms of a skin rash.

Basophil levels are below normal

Below normal levels can be caused by several conditions, namely:

• Acute infection
• Cancer
• Severe injury

The symptoms caused by this condition also vary depending on the cause. When you have an infection, you may experience symptoms, such as feeling painful to the touch, fever, and diarrhea.

How to treat abnormal basophils?

To overcome basophil levels that are too low or high will depend on the conditions that cause them. In cases associated with allergies or chronic inflammation, treating the underlying cause is very important.

There are several ways to treat an abnormal basophil count, including:

• Antihistamines and stay away from triggers if this condition is caused by allergies
• Albendazole for parasitic infections
• Chemotherapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
• Aspirin and phlebotomy if caused by polycythemia vera
• Use of antibiotics if caused by a bacterial infection