Which type of WBC increases in allergic conditions?

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Eosinophils are a type of granulocytic white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response.
Their count in the bloodstream, known as eosinophilia, characteristically increases in response to allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.
Eosinophils are also crucial for combating infections by multicellular parasites and certain other pathogens.
They help to modulate inflammatory responses, in part by releasing enzymes that can break down inflammatory mediators like histamine.

Option B: Neutrophils are primarily involved in phagocytosing and destroying bacteria. Their numbers increase significantly during bacterial infections (neutrophilia), not typically during allergic reactions.
Option C: While basophils are crucial for initiating allergic reactions by releasing histamine and other mediators, they are the least numerous of the granulocytes. The characteristic increase in cell count in the blood is seen with eosinophils, not basophils.
Option D: Leucocyte is the general term for all white blood cells (including eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes). The question asks for a specific type of WBC, making this answer too broad and less precise than 'Eosinophils'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The role of different types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) in immune responses, specifically in allergic conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A differential white blood cell count is a standard lab test that nurses review. An elevated eosinophil count (eosinophilia) is a key indicator that directs further assessment towards allergies or parasitic infections.
When a nurse sees eosinophilia on a patient's lab report, they should assess for signs of allergy (e.g., rash, wheezing, rhinitis) or ask about recent travel to areas where parasitic infections are common.
Patient education is important. A nurse can explain to the patient that these specific cells are elevated as part of the body's reaction to an allergen and discuss management strategies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concepts in the question: 'WBC' (white blood cell) and 'allergic conditions'.
Next, review the options provided. Notice that 'Leucocytes' is a general category, while the other three are specific types of leucocytes.
Recall the primary functions of each specific WBC type. Associate neutrophils with bacteria, lymphocytes with viruses and immunity, and both eosinophils and basophils with allergies.
Differentiate between the roles of eosinophils and basophils in allergies. Basophils release histamine to start the reaction, but eosinophils are the ones that increase in number to modulate the response.
Therefore, the most accurate answer for a cell type that increases in number during allergic conditions is eosinophils.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The role of different types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) in immune responses, specifically in allergic conditions.
Stem keywords: WBC, allergic conditions, increases
Lead-in keywords: Which type
Negative lead-in flag: false

QvcVCZZCX_Z8IjOqaLofR0

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 97-99

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 153-155

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 114-116