Doctors may order basophil level tests to help diagnose certain health problems. If basophil levels are low, this may be a sign of an allergic reaction or another condition. High basophil levels may indicate an autoimmune condition or one of several types of blood disorder.
In this article, learn more about the function of basophils and what abnormal basophil levels mean.
What are basophils?
The body makes different types of white blood cell, which are vital components of the immune system.
White blood cells help keep the body healthy by fighting off invading germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Basophils are a type of white blood cell called a granulocyte. There are other forms of granulocyte, such as neutrophils and eosinophils.
Granulocyte cells contain granules, which they use to secrete important substances.
The granules inside basophils contain heparin, histamine, and other molecules that play a role in inflammation.
Function
Basophils are necessary for the immune system’s natural response to invaders, such as infectious germs.
The body’s response to allergens also involves basophils. When a potentially harmful allergen enters the body, the immune system responds by trying to isolate and eliminate the allergen.
When responding to an allergen, basophils that sustain damage will release histamine, which is partially responsible for inflammation during an allergic reaction.
Additionally, basophils play an integral role in preventing blood clotting. The heparin inside the cells is a form of natural blood thinner that helps keep the blood flowing through the body.
High levels of basophils may indicate chronic inflammation in the body.
Immune reactions or autoimmune conditions that cause chronic inflammation include:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- lupus
- inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- diabetes
- allergies and asthma
Hypothyroidism
High basophil levels may also be a sign of low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which may cause some bodily functions to slow down.
Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- weight gain
- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- swelling in the face
- constipation
- weakness
- feeling cold
Some people with hypothyroidism may also notice changes in their hair or skin. The skin might become dry or rough, while the hair may turn coarse and brittle and break very easily.
Myeloproliferative disorders
Myeloproliferative disorders affect white blood cells and may also cause very high basophil levels.
Myeloproliferative disorders include:
- Myelofibrosis: In people with this condition, fibrous tissue begins to replace the cells that make blood in the bone marrow. This disruption may lead to deformed or misshapen red blood cells and anemia.
- Essential thrombocythemia: This condition causes the body to make too many platelets, leading to excessive blood clotting. It may also lead to circulation and nerve problems.
- Polycythemia vera: This is a blood condition that causes the bone marrow to overproduce red blood cells.
Cancer
In very rare cases, high basophil levels may indicate certain types of blood cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Low levels of basophils may be due to the body reacting to an allergen, causing the basophils to release their histamine. Other signs of an allergic reaction include:
- puffy, red eyes
- a runny or stuffy nose
- excess mucus
- hives
Severe allergic reactions may cause a potentially life-threatening situation called anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- swelling in the face, throat, or mouth
- difficulty breathing
- lightheadedness
- wheezing
Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Anyone having an anaphylactic reaction should seek emergency medical attention.
Infections
Basophils are instrumental to immune system function, so low levels may also signal that the body is fighting an infection.
In these cases, a doctor may recommend medications or rest until the infection clears, after which they will order blood tests to get more accurate results.
Summary
Basophils make up a small percentage of white blood cells, but they play an essential role in the immune system. Basophil levels that are too high or too low may be a sign of an underlying condition.
There are many possible underlying causes of abnormal basophil levels. Once a doctor determines the reason for the high or low levels, they can advise on possible treatment options.
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