Hematology

Actual values Normal values

WBC count 18 (14.5-12.3)
Granulocyte 94 (55-75)
Lymphocyte 5 (25-35)
Monocyte 1 (2-6)

Interpretation:

This increase in leukocytes (primarily neutrophils) is usually accompanied by a "left shift" in the ratio of immature
to mature neutrophils. The increase in immature leukocytes increases due to proliferation and release of granulocyte
and monocyte precursors in the bone marrow which is stimulated by several products of inflammation including C3a
and G-CSF.  It is the reaction of a healthy bone marrow to extreme stress, trauma, or infection.

A low normal to low absolute lymphocyte concentration is associated with increased rates of infection after surgery
or trauma.

 Decrease in the number of Monocytes found in the blood, which places individuals at increased risk of infection.

DATA FROM TEXTBOOK

Bronchial asthma is a disease of the lungs in which an obstructive ventilation disturbance of the respiratory passages
evokes a feeling of shortness of breath. The cause is a sharply elevated resistance to airflow in the airways. Despite
its most strenuous efforts, the respiratory musculature is unable to provide sufficient gas exchange. The result is a
characteristic asthma attack, with spasms of the bronchial musculature, edematous swelling of the bronchial wall
and increased mucus secretion. In the initial stage, the patient can be totally symptom-free for long periods of time
in the intervals between the attacks. As the disease progresses, increased mucus is secreted between attacks as well,
which in part builds up in the airways and can then lead to secondary bacterial infections. Bronchial asthma is
usually intrinsic (no cause can be demonstrated), but is occasionally caused by a specific allergy (such as allergy to
mold, dander, dust). Although most individuals with asthma will have some positive allergy tests, the allergy is not
necessarily the cause of the asthma symptoms.

Symptoms can occur spontaneously or can be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke
or other pollutants, stress or anxiety, or by food allergies or drug allergies. The muscles of the bronchial tree become
tight and the lining of the air passages become swollen, reducing airflow and producing the wheezing sound. Mucus
production is increased.

Typically, the individual usually breathes relatively normally, and will have periodic attacks of wheezing. Asthma
attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted. Asthma
affects 1 in 20 of the overall population, but the incidence is 1 in 10 in children. Asthma can develop at any age, but
some children seem to outgrow the illness. Risk factors include self or family history of eczema, allergies or family
history of asthma. Bronchial asthma causes cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Bronchial asthma is an
allergic condition, in which the airways (bronchi) are hyper-reactive and constrict abnormally when exposed to
allergens, cold or exercise.

Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and controlling symptoms through medication. A variety of
medications for treatment of asthma are available. People with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) may use inhalers on
an as-needed basis. Persons with significant asthma (symptoms occur at least every week) should be treated with
anti-inflammatory medications, preferably inhaled corticosteroids, and then with bronchodilators such as inhaled
Alupent or Vanceril. Acute severe asthma may require hospitalization, oxygen, and intravenous medications.

Decrease or control exposure to known allergens by staying away from cigarette smoke, removing animals from
bedrooms or entire houses, and avoiding foods that cause symptoms. Allergy desensitization is rarely successful in
reducing symptoms.