Name of the Condition

• Lymphocytosis (symptomatic)
• Also referred to as elevated lymphocyte count or reactive lymphocytosis.

Summary

Lymphocytosis refers to an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for immune response. When symptomatic, it may accompany infections or other underlying health conditions.

Causes

• Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, or hepatitis.
• Chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Some bacterial infections.
• Lymphoproliferative disorders.

Risk Factors

• Having a compromised immune system.
• Recent infections, particularly viral.
• Autoimmune conditions.
• Exposure to certain medications or substances that affect the immune system.

Symptoms

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Night sweats.
• Lethargy or a feeling of generally being unwell.

Diagnosis

• Complete blood count (CBC) to determine lymphocyte levels.
• Evaluation of peripheral blood smear.
• Additional tests like flow cytometry to assess specific causes.

Treatment Options

• Addressing underlying infections with antivirals or antibiotics.
• Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune conditions.
• Monitoring in asymptomatic cases, as often the condition resolves on its own.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis is generally good if the underlying cause is treatable or self-limiting.
• Regular follow-up may be necessary to monitor lymphocyte levels and manage chronic conditions.

Complications

• Persistent or untreated lymphocytosis can potentially lead to more severe conditions like lymphoma.
• Risk of misdiagnosis that may delay proper treatment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise to support immune function.
• Avoidance of known immunosuppressive substances.
• Proper management of chronic conditions under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent fever or night sweats.
• Unexplained and prolonged swelling of lymph nodes.
• Severe fatigue or worsening symptoms.

Additional Resources

• American Society of Hematology (hematology.org)
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Make sure to use the correct ICD-10 code D72.820 specifically for symptomatic cases.
• Confirm the presence of symptoms aligning with lymphocytosis to avoid coding errors.