What are the reasons for elevated white blood cell count?
Some of the lesser issues that may be behind an elevated white blood cell count include:
- Smoking
- Stress
- Exercise
- Allergies
- Some medications, such as corticosteroids
What is a dangerously high white blood cell count?
Your WBC level of 15 is a High WBC level. If your WBC is in between 4 thou/uL and 11 thou/uL, then you need not worry as 4-11 thou/uL is the normal range for WBC. But if your WBC is lesser or greater than the above values, then there may be some problem in your body.
What is the normal value of white blood cell count?
White blood cell (WBC) normal range: Adult: 5,000-10,000/mL When should I call my doctor? Your provider will review the results of your CBC with you. If you have questions about the results, call your provider. A note from Cleveland Clinic Healthcare providers use complete blood counts to manage disease and help you stay healthy.
What would cause elevated white blood cells?
Other high white blood cell count causes may include: Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury or surgery). Burns. Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Thyroid problems. Dental caries (cavities). Certain medicines, including lithium, corticosteroids and beta-agonists. Allergies.
What is an alarming white blood cell count?
In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count.
How low is too low for white blood cells?
The definition of low white blood cell count varies from one medical practice to another. In general, for adults a count lower than 4,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count. For children, that threshold varies with age.
What level of WBC indicates leukemia?
Effects of Too Many White Blood Cells Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.
What is high white blood cell count?
A high white blood cell count usually indicates: An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection. A reaction to a drug that increases white blood cell production. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.
What cancers cause low WBC?
Low Blood Counts From CancerLeukemia.Lymphoma.Myeloma.
Can low white blood cells make you tired?
Can low white blood cells cause fatigue? Low white bloods cells likely aren't the cause of fatigue. If you have low WBC and are increasingly feeling fatigued, both are likely symptoms of an underlying issue.
What are the six signs of leukemia?
Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:Fever or chills.Persistent fatigue, weakness.Frequent or severe infections.Losing weight without trying.Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.Easy bleeding or bruising.Recurrent nosebleeds.Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)More items...•
Can dehydration cause elevated WBC?
Leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000/mm 3) can indicate infection, inflammation (possibly from allergies), tissue damage or burns, dehydration, thyroid storm, leukemia, stress, or steroid use. The degree of leukocytosis depends on the severity of the disorder, the patient's age and general health, and bone marrow health.
How long can you have leukemia without knowing?
In CLL, the leukemia cells grow out of control and crowd out normal blood cells. These cells often build up slowly over time. Many people don't have any symptoms for at least a few years. In time, the cells can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
What infections cause white blood cells to be high?
A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:A bacterial or viral infection.An inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.An allergy.Leukemia or Hodgkin disease.Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery.
What medications cause high white blood cell count?
Drugs that may increase WBC counts include epinephrine, allopurinol, aspirin, chloroform, heparin, quinine, corticosteroids, and triamterene.
What affects white blood cell count?
A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
Is 3.4 WBC too low?
Generally, a count lower than 3,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count.
How can I raise my white blood cell count?
Some sources of quality protein are fish, eggs, poultry, beef, milk, Greek yogurt and beans. If your diet is poor, or you're having trouble eating, you can take a multivitamin or supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. The body uses vitamin B12 and folate to make WBCs.
Does vitamin B12 increase white blood cells?
Vitamin B12 supplementation did not affect the number and percentage of white blood cells populations in blood of rats fed a control diet for 30 days. However, 30-day addition of vitamin B12 to a low-protein diet almost completely reduced the negative impact of protein malnutrition.
What does it mean when your WBC is higher than normal?
Having a higher or lower number of WBCs than normal may indicate an underlying condition. A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.
Where to take WBC blood?
This blood sample is taken either from a vein in your arm or a vein on the back of your hand. It only takes a couple of minutes to draw your blood, and you may experience minor discomfort.
How many WBCs are normal for a newborn?
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC), these are the normal ranges of WBCs per microliter of blood (mcL): Age range. WBC count (per mcL of blood) newborns. 9,000 to 30,000.
Why is my WBC low?
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and bowel disease. stress. exercise. tissue damage. pregnancy. allergies. asthma. some medications, such as corticosteroids. After diagnosing the cause of a high or low WBC count and recommending a treatment plan, your doctor will periodically recheck your WBCs.
How to prepare for WBC?
A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory. Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count.
What is a WBC test?
A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC). The term “white blood cell count” is also used more generally to refer to the number of white blood cells in your body. There are several types of white blood cells, ...
What to tell your doctor before blood draw?
Prior to having your blood drawn, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you’re currently taking.
What is a WBC count?
[1] A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the amount of white blood cells in a sample of a person’s blood.
Where to draw blood for white blood cell count?
Test procedure. To carry out a white blood cell count, a doctor will draw a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand . This is a common procedure, and side effects are rare, but may include lightheadedness, bleeding or infection.
How many WBCs are in a human body?
The normal range for a white blood cell count in a healthy adult is between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter (μl or mcL) or cubic millimeter (mm3) of blood, though this may differ between males and females, ...
How many WBCs are in a microliter of blood?
A: For an adult, a healthy WBC count is considered to be between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood. This is on average – some healthy individuals may have a higher or lower count.
What causes low WBC?
Low white blood cell (WBC) count 1 Viral or bacterial infection 2 Diminished bone marrow function 3 Cancer 4 Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and HIV/AIDS 5 Leukemia 6 Lupus 7 Tuberculosis 8 Cancer treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as other medications 9 Aplastic anemia
What does white blood cells do?
White blood cells also defend the body from allergens, mutated cells, such as cancer, and foreign matter, such as splinters, and remove dead cells, old red blood cells and other debris. [1] A white blood cell count checks both the overall levels of white blood cells in the blood, as well as the overall proportion of different types ...
What causes low white blood cells?
A low white blood cell count can be caused by issues including: Cancer treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as other medications. A low white blood cell count may cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and bodyache.
What happens if your white blood cells are too high?
What Are White Blood Cells? White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. Infection can cause spikes, as well as blood cancers and other conditions. White blood cells (leukocytes) make up about 1% of our blood and they help protect the body against illness and disease.
What causes high white blood cells?
Causes of high white blood cell counts include: Infections, such as bacterial infections. Leukemia and lymphoma, which are types of cancers. Trauma. Extensive wounds or burns. Acute or chronic inflammation such as from autoimmune disease, allergies, and other inflammatory problems. Cigarette smoking.
Why do white blood cells make antibodies?
These white blood cells create antibodies to fight against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful germs
What are the white blood cells that help with allergic reactions?
They also help with allergic responses. They make up about 1 to 3% of the total number of white blood cells. Basophils. These white blood cells release histamine during an allergic reaction which promotes blood flow to the body’s tissues. They play a role in fighting infection.
Where are white blood cells produced?
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and stored in the blood and lymph tissues.
Which cells have a longer lifespan than other white blood cells?
Monocytes. These white blood cells have a longer lifespan than other white blood cells and help to break down bacteria. They make up about 8% of the total number of white blood cells. Eosinophils. These white blood cells attack and kill parasites and cancer cells. They also help with allergic responses.
Is it dangerous to have a high white blood cell count?
White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause.
How many white blood cells are there in a microliter?
How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
Why does my WBC count drop?
Spleen problems: The spleen also makes WBCs. Infections, blood clots, and other problems can make it swell and not work the way it should. This will drop your WBC count.
Why is my WBC low?
Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems. Being around certain chemicals, like benzene and pesticides, as well as some types of cancer and cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, can hurt your bone marrow's ability to make WBCs.
What cells fight infection?
White blood cells , also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout your body in your blood, looking for invaders. And your body is continuously making a fresh supply.
What diseases will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs?
Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs.
Does benzene harm white blood cells?
Scientific American: "Even at Low Levels, Benzene Takes Toll on White Blood Cells."
Does HIV kill WBCs?
HIV kills a specific kind of white blood cell. Medicines: Some drugs, including antibiotics, can destroy WBCs. Nutrition: Not eating well or low levels of certain vitamins, such as folic acid and B12, can affect how your body makes WBCs . Alcohol abuse can mess with the nutrients in your body and with WBC counts, too.
How many white blood cells are in a microliter of blood?
It can vary by age and gender, but you are considered to have a low white blood cell count with less than 4,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood. The lower this number goes, the more susceptible you are to infections. 3
What Causes a Low White Blood Cell Count?
A low white blood cell count can develop as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. You may also be given a more specific diagnosis based on the exact type of white blood cell affected like neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils. 1
How does cancer affect WBCs?
Treatments for cancers can also lead to a drop in the number of WBCs in your blood. Medications like chemotherapy disrupt how rapidly growing cells such as cancer cells reproduce. It can also damage healthy cells like white blood cells. Radiation therapy, another common cancer treatment, works in much the same way and can also lead to a drop in white blood cell counts. 3
Why is my WBC count low?
Cancer and treatments used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can lower your WBC count. White blood cells are immune system cells that help defend your body against foreign threats like viruses and bacteria. When the number of WBCs in your body are low, you are at a higher risk of infections. It's important to work closely with your doctor to monitor your blood cell numbers and come up with strategies to prevent infections if you have cancer or are going through treatment for cancer.
How many types of WBCs are there?
There are several types of white blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, and each can be affected differently by cancer and its treatments. There are five types of white blood cells:
Why is my white blood count low?
A low white blood cell count can develop as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. You may also be given a more specific diagnosis based on the exact type of white blood cell affected like neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils. 1
Can cancer cause low WBC?
Cancer can lead to a high or low WBC count, depending on the type of cancer, which type of white blood cell is affected, and where the cancer is in your body.
What is the normal white blood cell count?
A normal white blood cell count for any person ranges between 3.5 to 10.5 billion per liter, as reported by Mayo Clinic. A count that falls above or below the normal range requires follow-up with a physician, as it can indicate a serious underlying health issue.
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is below 3.5?
Various medications result in a white blood cell count outside the normal range, according to Mayo Clinic. A count below 3.5 billion per liter — leukopenia — is a possible indicator of cancer, an autoimmune disease or an issue with bone marrow. An infection — or inflammation, in general can cause a count above 10.5 billion per liter.
What causes a high blood count?
An infection — or inflammation, in general can cause a count above 10.5 billion per liter. An abnormally high count can also be the result of issues with the immune system or bone marrow. ADVERTISEMENT.
What is an 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, ...
How old is a baby when you have a high white blood cell count?
As an infant, your white blood cell count tends to be higher, and the count steadily decreases to the age of 16. The measurements are taken per microliter or mcL. “Normal” white blood cell counts can vary from laboratory to laboratory, but they do tend to be similar.
What foods lower white blood cells?
The following foods can not only help you lower the white blood cell count, but they are also good, healthy choices alone. 1. Antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants like carrots, blueberries, onions and garlic are great to help with the immune system. 2.
How many white blood cells are there in a cubic millimeter?
However, the general consensus is that a normal range is between 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter. ...
What does a high WBC count mean?
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.
What Causes High White Blood Cell Count?
So, what happens when you have too many white blood cells? Known as leukocytosis in medical terms, a high white blood cell count can result from the following health conditions:
Why is my WBC count high?
We produce approximately 100 billion white blood cells each day. The body stores white blood cells in the blood and lymphatic systems, and a high count indicates inflammation. WBC counts may also be raised when we are under emotional or physical stress.
What are the different types of white blood cells?
1. Lymphocytes aid in fighting various infections with the production of antibodies. Bacterial and toxic infections are targeted by the lymphocyte B cells while lymphocyte T cells respond to viral or cancerous infection s. 2.
Why do monocytes increase?
Monocyte levels can rise to indicate an autoimmune disorder, blood disorder, chronic infection, or cancer . Lymphocyte levels may increase due to a virus, infection, or cancer. This is known as lymphocytic leukocytosis and can produce tuberculosis, lymphomas, or leukemia.
Why are white blood cells important?
These cells form in the bone marrow and are necessary for a healthy immune system. We produce approximately 100 billion white blood cells each day. The body stores white blood cells in the blood and lymphatic systems, and a high count indicates inflammation. WBC counts may also be raised when we are under emotional or physical stress.
Purpose of The Test
Interpreting Results
- The WBC count isn't specific enough to diagnose any particular disease. Abnormal values are simply an indication that something may be wrong and what the possible causes may be. If your WBC count is high, you have what is called leukocytosis. Among some of the possible causes of leukocytosis are:7 1. A bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection 2. Inflammatory conditions 3. Burn…
Follow-Up Tests
- If your WBC count is abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests depending on your symptoms and medical history. These may include tests to see if you have: 1. An infection: Your healthcare provider may order a urinalysis, for example, if they think you have a urinary tract infection. If they believe you have a viral infection, they might contain a polymerase chain reactio…
Summary
- White blood cells help fight infection and inflammation. A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. Many conditions, including infections, medications, inflammatory diseases, and blood or bone marrow disorders, can cause an abnormal WBC count. The WBC count is measured in a reference range of values by the number of blood c…
A Word from Verywell
- It's important to discuss your WBC count results—and any other test you undergo—with your doctor to understand what they mean. Doing so allows you to make informed choices about your health. It is also important not to jump to conclusions if you see a "high" or "low" notation on your WBC count results. It is only by comparing the test results to different blood test values that a h…
What Is A White Blood Cell (WBC) Count?
- Our blood contains a certain white blood cell count (WBC, leukocytes or leucocytes) which, as part of the body’s immune system, help the body fight infection. A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the amount of white blood cells in a sample of a person’s blood. The number of white blood cells in the body differs between individuals or at different ages in their lives. The normal …
White Blood Cells
- There are several kinds of white blood cells (WBCs), including neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils. Each variety plays a different role in protecting the body from foreign pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.White blood cells also defend the body from allergens, mutated cells, such as cancer, and foreign matter, such as splin…
Test Procedure
- To carry out a white blood cell count, a doctor will draw a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand. This is a common procedure, and side effects are rare, but may include lightheadedness, bleeding or infection. No special preparation is required for a white blood cell count, but a person should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking, as t…
White Blood Cell Count FAQs
- Q: What is a healthy white blood cell (WBC) count? A:For an adult, a healthy WBC count is considered to be between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood. This is on average – some healthy individuals may have a higher or lower count. Q: What is leukocytosis? A: Leukocytosis is the condition of having an abnormally high WBC count. In most ca...