Lymphocytes Can Mark Signal And Destroy Germs
Some treatments, most often those given during a bone marrow transplant, can cause a shortage of lymphocytes. B and T lymphocytes help fight viruses, but have different jobs:
- B-lymphocytes make special proteins called antibodiesthat recognize and kill certain germs. They also can mark germs to be destroyed by other cells.
- T-lymphocytes make signaling substances called cytokines that tell other cells what to do. They also destroy cells infected by viruses.
Purpose Of A White Blood Cell Count
A WBC count is often done as part of a CBC. These tests may be ordered as part of a routine blood test.
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. They originate in the bone marrow but move throughout the bloodstream. These cells help fight infection by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body.
A white blood cell count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders. This test also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and other therapies in people with cancer.
What Is It Used For
A white blood count is most often used to help diagnose disorders related to having a high white blood cell count or low white blood cell count.
Disorders related to having a high white blood count include:
- Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, conditions that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues
- Bacterial or viral infections
Disorders related to having a low white blood count include:
- Diseases of the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS
- Lymphoma, a cancer of the bone marrow
- Diseases of the liver or spleen
A white blood count can show if the number of your white blood cells is too high or too low, but it can’t confirm a diagnosis. So it is usually done along with other tests, such as a complete blood count, blood differential, blood smear, and/or bone marrow test.
You May Like: When To Test For Blood Sugar
What Happens During A White Blood Count
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
To test children, a health care provider will take a sample from the heel or the fingertip . The provider will clean the heel or fingertip with alcohol and poke the site with a small needle. The provider will collect a few drops of blood and put a bandage on the site.
Medicines That Increase Wbc Count
If you have a low white blood cell count, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to stimulate white blood cell production. These medications, such as Neupogen , Neulasta , and others, are all part of a family of drugs called granulocyte colony stimulators . These medications work by jump-starting the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells.
Read Also: Gauge Of Needle For Blood Donation
What Abnormal Results Mean
LOW WBC COUNT
A low number of WBCs is called leukopenia. A count less than 4,500 cells per microliter is below normal.
Neutrophils are one type of WBC. They are important for fighting infections.
A lower than normal WBC count may be due to:
- Bone marrow deficiency or failure
- Cancer treating drugs, or other medicines
- Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus
- Disease of the liver or spleen
- Radiation treatment for cancer
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.
Recommended Reading: How Accurate Are Herpes Blood Test
How To Increase White Blood Cell Count Carotenoids
Beta- carotene, a great antioxidant that can clean the nasty free radicals causing damages and premature aging, will be an effective tip on how to increase white blood cell count. Studies show that there is a close connection between beta-carotene- rich foods and the decreasing risk of cancer and antioxidant properties of these carotenoids play the causative role in this association.
Read More: Food High in Beta Carotene
Here Are 10 Ways To Improve White Blood Cells Naturally:
Now and then you go to the doctors and have your blood taken for a check-up. Most likely they are checking your white blood cell counts, liver, cholesterol, thyroid, and kidney functions. An increase or decrease in these blood counts may show something as simple as an infection, or something that needs further investigation.
What happens when your white blood cells come back too low? Can you improve your white blood cells naturally? With an increase of people wanting to take a more natural approach to their health, it is logical that we start at the basics: our blood.
You May Like: What Is It Called When You Have Low Blood Sugar
Where To Find Support
Everyones different, so theres no right or wrong way to feel about it. But life with leukemia may be overwhelming at times. If you need emotional support, practical support, or both, know that youre not alone and help is available.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides a variety of educational and support services, such as:
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!
Don’t Miss: How To Check Blood Sugar At Home
What Is A Normal White Blood Cell Count
It is important to note that the ânormalâ 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 personâs normal count can be different than another personâs 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.
Infographic: Ways To Prevent Low White Blood Cell Count
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. They defend your body against several diseases and infections. So, maintaining sufficient levels of WBCs is essential for proper body functioning. However, many factors can cause low WBC count in the body. You can prevent it by taking some precautionary measures. Check out the infographic below to learn some ways to minimize the chances of a low white blood cell count.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
You can improve a low white blood cell count with certain natural remedies. Viral infections, cancer, autoimmune diseases, congenital disorders, poor nutrition, and antibiotics may cause low white blood cell count. You can treat the condition by using the lavender essential oil, garlic, spinach, sunflower seeds, red bell peppers, citrus fruits, noni fruit, and kiwi. In addition, selenium, broccoli, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, yogurt, vitamins, and papaya leaves effectively improve low blood cell count. Try any of the remedies mentioned above that best suit you.
Don’t Miss: What Is Mpv On Blood Work
How Many Different Types Of White Blood Cells Are There
If you took a peek under a microscope, youd see that our white blood cells arent really white, but clear. Our WBCs are created via stem cells in our bone marrow and stored until an infection occurs when our immune system deploys them.
But did you know not all white blood cells are created equal? There are five different types of WBCs in our bodies, and they can be grouped into three different categories:
What Happens When You Have Elevated White Blood Cells
In addition to your total white blood cell count, InsideTracker also measures the different types of white blood cells, which can give clues as to what may be causing the elevated white blood cell count. The types of white blood cells include: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Neutrophils, which account for about 70% of white blood cells, can increase in response to bacterial infections as well as to physical or emotional stress. A high lymphocyte count may occur when there is a viral or bacterial infection. Increased monocytes can indicate chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of basophils and eosinophils may occur when there is an allergic response or in cases of a parasitic infection.
You May Like: How To Remove Blood Clot In Leg
Why Do I Need A White Blood Count
You may need this test if you have signs of an infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease. Symptoms of infection include:
Symptoms of inflammation and autoimmune diseases will be different, depending on the area of inflammation and type of disease.
You may also need this test if you have a disease that weakens your immune system or are taking medicine that lowers your immune response. If the test shows your white blood count is getting too low, your provider may be able to adjust your treatment.
Your newborn or older child may also be tested as part of a routine screening, or if they have symptoms of a white blood cell disorder.
How To Increase White Blood Cell Count Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the very first one out of the 20 effective tips on how to increase white blood cell count naturally at home that you should write down on your note.
This vitamin is one of the most important immune and antioxidant boosters. It naturally stimulates the production of killer cells, which seek out and kill off cancer cells and germs. Besides, vitamin E also boosts the production of B-cells, which come from the immune system producing antibodies that will kill off bacteria.gilbertroaddental.com/wp-content/languages/new/finasteride.html
Vitamin E supplements may actually reverse of the decrease in the immune system response that is found in the elderly. According to a study, vitamin E supplements can decrease the risk of heart attacks by 50% . It is not hard to take 60 mg of vitamin E daily from the diet. Grains and seeds will provide you with most of what you need. However, most of the people find it difficult to constantly take 60 mg daily. In case you do not exercise, smoke, and drink alcohol, you will require 40-100 mg daily to keep the immune system healthy. Taking vitamin E supplements is a great idea for all people even though they are not concerning about how to increase white blood cell count.
Read More: Vitamins for Immune System
Recommended Reading: What Flavor Is Tiger Blood
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:
The white blood cell types show distinct causes for their high levels.
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.
High levels of basophil can usually be seen in those with hypothyroidism, inflammation bowel disease, asthma, varicella, chronic myelogenous leukemia, or chronic sinusitis.Neutrophil levels can increase from an infection, inflammation, an injury, leukemia, or even due to some medications. This is referred to as neutrophilic leukocytosis.
Increased levels of eosinophils are the result of an allergen presence, asthma, or parasitic infection. When these high levels are present for more than six months with no evident cause, it is referred to as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. This rare condition can result in inflammation and organ failure.
What Is Low White Blood Cell Count
Every day, our bodies produce about 100 billion white blood cells . Leukocytes help defend our bodies against intruders like viruses and bacteria that may cause infections.
In leukopenia , you have lower-than-normal numbers of white blood cells. Specifically, you have fewer neutrophils than normal.
Neutrophils are white blood cells that act as your immune systems first line of defense. Without enough white blood cells, including enough neutrophils, youre more vulnerable to developing infections.
A white blood cell count thats less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood is a low white blood cell count. Normal white blood cell counts vary depending on age and sex. For example, the white blood cell count for men, people designated male at birth and children is 5,000 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. The normal range for women and people designated female at birth is 4,500 to 11,000 microliters of blood.
Is leukopenia a kind of cancer?
No, its not but theres a connection between leukopenia and cancer. Cancer treatments may cause leukopenia.
Does leukopenia lead to leukemia?
No, but leukemia may cause leukopenia. Leukemia affects your blood cells, including white blood cells. Your bone marrow makes blood cells.
In leukemia, your body makes abnormal blood cells that multiply and divide. The abnormal cells eventually outnumber healthy cells, including healthy white blood cells. That leaves your body with lower-than-normal levels of white blood cells or leukopenia.
Recommended Reading: Anxiety And Low White Blood Cell Count
Low White Blood Cell Counts
A lowered level of immunity is called immunosuppression. Certain diseases, including cancer, and certain treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause some people to have immunosuppression. This is usually referred to as having a low white blood cell count, but you might hear other words to describe it too.
Medicines The Following Medicines May Help Increase Wbc Counts They Can Also Help Lower The Risk Of Or Treat Infection
Colony-stimulating factors
Colony-stimulating factors are special medicines called growth factors. They stimulate, or help, the bone marrow to make white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Different types of growth factors stimulate the bone marrow to make different types of blood cells. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors stimulate the bone marrow to make granulocytes. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors stimulate the bone marrow to make granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are types of WBCs.
With some chemotherapy drugs, G-CSFs or GM-CSFs may be given to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more WBCs. Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim are examples of G-CSFs. Sargramostim is a GM-CSF that may be used to help reduce the chance of developing infection and keep chemotherapy on schedule.
Recommended Reading: Low Red Blood Cell Count Cancer
Treating A Low White Blood Cell Count
If your doctor finds that your white blood cell counts are low, they may hold off on your next round of chemotherapy to let your body recover.
They may also prescribe drugs called colony-stimulating factors, white blood cell growth factors, or myeloid growth factors. These drugs can help increase your white blood cell numbers but come with some risks.
Not every patient is a good candidate to get these drugs. Your doctors will balance the benefits and risks of using these drugs based on guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and others.
If youre showing signs of infection and have a lowered white blood cell count, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics as a precaution.
What Do The Results Mean
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
- Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery
A low white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:
- Bone marrow damage. This may be caused by infection, disease, or treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Cancers that affect the bone marrow
- An autoimmune disorder, such as lupus
If you are already being treated for a white blood cell disorder, your results may show if your treatment is working or whether your condition has improved.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
You May Like: What Happens When Your Blood Pressure Is Too High
How Can I Improve My White Blood Cells Naturally
There are a few natural ways to boost your white blood cells such as:
- If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can help increase your immunity.
- Drinking water is proven to increase immunity by flushing out toxins.
- Sleep is another key factor to increase your white blood cells naturally. So, find your Zen, reduce your stress, and get enough zzzzs.
2. Probiotics
Your gut plays an important role in hosting a large portion of your immune system, maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Probiotics populate your gut and helps get rid of harmful bacteria, giving your immune system an increased capacity to fight pathogens. Healthy gut flora helps your body to maintain healthy responses to allergens. A healthy and balanced population of good and bad bacteria in your gut is essential in fighting off infections.
Related: The Gut-Brain Connection: How Gut Health Affects Your Mood
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the body to fight off infection and widens blood vessels. This helps to stop clots forming in blood vessels. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
4. Vitamin C
Its pretty common for people to turn to vitamin C after theyve been hit with a cold or flu. This vitamin has been shown to increase interferon which protects your blood cells from viruses. By improving your immune system, your body produces more white blood cells that respond swiftly to fight infection.
5. Garlic
6. Folate