Tuesday Q And A: Numerous Conditions Can Lead To Low White Blood Cell Count
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 16-year-old granddaughter was recently diagnosed with a low white blood cell count after going to the ER twice with a migraine headache, vomiting and temporary loss of sight. What could cause a low white blood cell count in someone her age? I am worried its something serious and am wondering what other tests should be done.
ANSWER: Many diseases and conditions can lead to a low white blood cell count. It is difficult to say what the specific cause might be in your granddaughters situation without more information. It is unlikely that the low count is related to her migraine and other symptoms. It would be wise to do another blood test to see if the problem persists. Her doctor can then decide if she needs to be evaluated further.
Blood has a number of components. In addition to white blood cells, which fight infection, red blood cells carry oxygen and platelets help blood clot. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones, makes the blood cells.
There are several kinds of white blood cells. Neutrophils fight fungal and bacterial infections. Lymphocytes protect the body from viral infections. Monocytes help get rid of dead or damaged tissue and regulate the bodys immune response. Eosinophils are disease-fighting white blood cells. Basophils play a role in wound healing, infection and allergic reactions.
How To Troubleshoot And Lower High White Blood Cell Numbers
At this point it would be a good idea to?go see a?hematologist/oncologist.?Hematologists specialize in blood disorders and diseases. Theyre a good next step in helping you find out whats causing it. If the hematologist doesnt find anything, that might mean theres smaller factor causing your condition. The causes are likely not serious and there are things you can do to improve the situation yourself.
How To Deal With High White Blood Cell Count
What causes high white blood cell count? You know the answer now. What to do? Your doctor will first arrange a complete blood count to see how high your white blood cell count is. In some cases, they may also ask for a bone marrow biopsy to rule out any bone marrow disorders. With considering your conditions, ageand overall health, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment plan. A combination of treatments can help resolve the issue. For instance:
Medication and Supplements
Your doctor may give you medications to eliminate infections. Nplate can help to deal with clotting issues. Antibiotics can work to against infections and other WBC disorders. Supplements can be taken to deal with anemia caused by deficiency, like vitamin B9, iron, or B12 supplements.
Diet Adjustments
Pay attention to what you eat to manage your white blood cells. You should avoid eating food rich in calories, fat, salt and sugar to keep your WBC count in normal range.
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When Is It Ordered
A WBC count is normally ordered as part of the complete blood count , which may be performed when you have a routine health examination. The test may be done when you have general signs and symptoms of an infection and/or inflammation, such as:
- Fever, chills
- Leukemia: Bone marrow biopsy, immunophenotyping , chromosome analysis
High White Blood Cell Count What You Should Know
White blood cells play an important role in your bodys immune system, searching the blood for invading viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When a foreign virus or bacteria enters your blood, the white blood cell , recognizes and destroys the invading particle before it can cause disease. There are several different types of white blood cells, each with their own function. Some directly destroy the foreign bacteria, while others attack your own cells that are infected by viruses. Other types of white blood cells can even play a role in allergic reactions!
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Low White Blood Cell Counts And Thyroid
In my practice, something I see quite frequently is a low white blood cell count when completing a CBC blood test. Over time, having seen thousands of patients, Ive definitely noticed a pattern. What Ive seen is that thyroid and autoimmune patients are the most common to present with a low white blood cell count.
White blood cellsalso known as neutrophilsare crucial factors in immune health.
Deficiency can be common, but deficiency can be chronic in some patients. There are a variety of causes that have been investigated for low white blood cell count, and various elements such as nutritional and immune causes have been found in this study.
Links With Autoimmune Conditions
Another consideration is that an excess of thyroid hormones can also downregulate white blood cells, similarly to a deficiency. This, however, seems to be present in more severe hyperthyroid cases.
The authors suggest that thyroid hormones may have a direct effect on the early stages of white blood cell development. If levels are either too low or too high, there can be a reduction in the number of white blood cells produced.
Its known that low white blood cells are common in other autoimmune conditions. Therefore, its thought that theres actually an autoimmune component to the neutropeonia itself as well. In this study, they found a correlation of Anti TPO with anti -PMN antibodies.
It has also been found that white blood cells can be inhibited by thyroid-stimulating antibodies found in Graves. Additionally, it appears that patients with Hashimotos thyroiditis have a high degree of circulating immune complexes.
These are antibodies against the white blood cells . Unfortunately this test isnt available in most labs. However, Anti TPO and Anti TG are readily available, and are tests that we commonly run at the clinic.
The authors concluded that thyroid disease frequency in patients with low blood cells is higher than commonly thought.
So based on the studies, what should you look for and what can you do?
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Elevated White Blood Cell Counts
Infections usually cause an elevated white blood cell count, but there are also other possible causes. WBC counts can be increased by overproduction. In other words, the body may release white blood cells early from the bone marrow.
Stress of any form can result in this release of white blood cells. Some causes of an increased white blood cell count include:
- Infections
- Cancers such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas, in which a greater number of white blood cells are manufactured
- Asthma and allergies
- Exercise
In severe infections, immature white blood cells called blasts may be present. Blasts often appear when the body attempts to get white blood cells on the scene quickly.
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Drugs That Cause High White Blood Cell Count
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Factors That Increase White Blood Cell Levels
If you have low white blood cell levels, the first thing to do is to work with your doctor to address any underlying causes. You may try the additional strategies listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!
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What Is A Normal White Blood Cell Count
It is important to note that the normal range for white blood cell count varies. The WBC count test is not a diagnostic tool and is only used to gauge abnormal levels of white blood cells. It is conducted in conjunction with a complete blood cell test, known as CBC. A high count indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.Because white blood cells are calculated by the number of cells per volume of blood, test results can vary between labs. Different labs use different degrees of measurements for the white blood cell count. The fact that one persons normal count can be different than another persons normal count is also taken into consideration. Your white blood cell count can be affected by race and any existing health condition.
However, the general consensus is that a normal range is between 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter. Any WBC count higher than 11,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter is considered high. This can be compared to prior blood test results of the patient.
Factors That Decrease White Blood Cell Levels
Work with your doctor to treat any underlying conditions causing unusual WBC levels. You may try the additional strategies listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!
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What Is Normal Wbc Range
Even though white blood cells only make up 1% of your blood volume, they play a vital role in keeping your bodys defenses healthy. Your bone marrow constantly produces white blood cells in case germs, viruses, or bacteria threaten your health.
According to the journal, American Family Physician, the normal total white blood cell count range for healthy infants and adults is as follows:1
- Infant 2 weeks old: 5.0 to 20.0 x 109 per L
- Adult: 4.5 to 11.0 x 109 per L
- Pregnant woman: 5.8 to 13.2 x 109 per L
Of course, there may be slight variations depending on the lab carrying out the blood test.
The total number of white blood cells is comprised of 5 types of white blood cells. Researchers from the University of Rochester say that these are:2
- Neutrophils. These WBCs destroy bacteria and fungi and are your first line of defense when there is an infection.
- Lymphocytes. Defend against harmful viruses or bacteria by creating antibodies.
- Monocytes. Kill bacteria invading your blood supply.
- Eosinophils. Effective in destroying parasites and cancer cells.
- Basophils. Secrete histamine and react to allergens in the body.
High White Blood Cell Count Symptoms
Raised white blood cell count is itself asymptomatic and therefore any associated features, if present, will typically be associated with the underlying cause. For example, a leukocytosis caused by leukemia may be accompanied by fatigue, general malaise and easy bruising.
There are no symptoms that can reliably indicate the presence of a raised white cell count. Doctors will usually consider carrying out an investigation to include the blood count if the symptoms described by a patient suggest that a blood count could be helpful to make a diagnosis.
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How To Increase White Blood Cell Count Vitamin C
One of the best vitamins that will enhance the immune system is vitamin C. It is found naturally in most of the fruits, especially oranges and lemons. This vitamin can also be obtained in supplement form with inexpensive price. Vitamin C enhances the immune system by raising white blood cell count as well as antibodies that actually fight bacteria and viruses. For those benefits, it is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn how to increase white blood cell count at home. You do not have to add too much vitamin C amount in order to get a boost in the immune system. Around 200 mg daily is sufficient. You can easily get it just by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables during the daily diet. In case you opt for supplements, spread the dosage out and apply as the recommended of your doctor.
What Types Of Foods Will Help To Decrease Your Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Omega-3 fatty acidsOmega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is known to increase heart health and elevate the activity of phagocytes, a type of white blood cells that protect you from foreign bacteria. Omega-3 PUFAs are found mainly in fatty fish like trout, herring, and salmon, but also in walnuts and flaxseed. Studies have shown that PUFAs significantly increased white blood cell counts in women on a controlled diet.
AntioxidantsAntioxidants are a type of a molecule that protects our cells against harmful molecules called free radicals, which damage cells, protein, and DNA . Eating more phytochemicals helps protect against this type of damage. Phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity include allyl sulfides , carotenoids , flavonoids , and polyphenols . While they dont specifically work to increase white blood cell count, they help to support a healthy immune system.
Vitamin CVitamin C helps the body to produce more white blood cells, which in turn helps the body to fight infections. All citrus fruitsincluding oranges, lemons, and limescontain vitamin C. You can also get vitamin C from other fruits, such as berries, papayas, pineapples and guavas, and vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and bell peppers.
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High White Blood Cell Count
If a persons body is producing more white blood cells than it should be, doctors call this leukocytosis.
A high white blood cell count may indicate the following medical conditions:
- allergic responses, such as due to an asthma attack
- those that may cause cells to die, such as burns, heart attack, and trauma
- inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or vasculitis
- infections, such as with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Surgical procedures that cause cells to die can also cause a high white blood cell count.
Malignant Causes Of Leukocytosis
âLeukocytosis can also signal malignant disorders, especially leukemias or other blood cancers. Doctors look at several factors when considering this diagnosis.â
Symptoms. Fever, night sweats, and weight loss are three symptoms that suggest a malignant cause of leukocytosis. Doctors also look for evidence of bleeding or easy bruising. Fatigue may be present.
Physical examination. Doctors check for swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged liver, and an enlarged spleen. They also look for petechiae, pinpoint spots caused by bleeding under the skin.â
Lab results. Blood cancers are the typical cause of white blood counts over 30,000 per microliter. Some of the cells may be immature. Other counts, such as red blood cells and platelets, may be low.
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Causes Of Elevated White Blood Cell Count
An elevated white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can be evidence that your body is trying to fight off something. If your test results show an elevated white blood cell count, your first thought might be that something horrible is wrong with you. While many of the causes of an elevated white blood cell count are serious, there are also less worrisome reasons such as external issues that affect the test or lifestyle factors that can easily be altered or avoided.
Problems Affecting White Blood Cells
Your white blood cell count can be low for a number of reasons. This includes when something is destroying the cells more quickly than the body can replenish them. Or when the bone marrow stops making enough white blood cells to keep you healthy. When your white blood cell count is low, you are at great risk for any illness or infection, which can spiral into a serious health threat.
Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to see whether your white blood cell count is normal. If your count is too low or too high, you may have a white blood cell disorder.
A number of diseases and conditions may affect white blood cell levels:
Conditions such as extreme physical stress caused by an injury or emotional stress can also trigger high white blood cell levels. So can inflammation, labor or the end of pregnancy, smoking, or even extreme exercise.
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How Wbcs Are Formed
White blood cells begin in the bone marrow in a process called hematopoiesis. All blood cells descend from a common hematopoietic stem cell . This is also called a “pluripotent” stem cell. These stem cells differentiateor specializein different stages.
The HSC cell first separates into either a lymphoid or myeloid stem cell.
The lymphoid stem cell gives rise to the lymphoid cell line. This is the family of cells that produces B cells and T cells.
The myeloid stem cells give rise to cells called myeloblasts. These further evolve into macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. Myeloblasts can also turn into red blood cells and platelets.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About A White Blood Count
White blood count results are often compared with results of other blood tests, including a blood differential. A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections.
- A higher than normal amount of neutrophils is known as neutrophilia.
- A lower than normal amount is known as neutropenia.
- A higher than normal amount of lymphocytes is known as lymphocytosis.
- A lower normal amount is known as lymphopenia.
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