High White Blood Cell Count

White Blood Cells are an important part of the body’s defense system. But too much is not always good. Read on to know why a high count of blood cells is a sign of alarm…

Blood circulates through the body providing nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in the body and similarly removes the waste products. When you go in for a complete physical test, you will probably undergo a series of tests to evaluate the composition and concentration of all the cellular components of blood. This test is known as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and consists of tests to evaluate Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, White Blood Cell (WBC) count, the platelet count, measurement of hemoglobin, mean red cell volume and a few more.
The Complete Blood Count helps evaluate the blood and the bone marrow and is usually performed to ensure oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, identify infections, diagnose anemia and leukemia and also gauge the effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on blood production cells.

White Blood Cells
The white blood cells are also known as leukocytes. In the absence of any disease, they form just about 1% by volume of the total blood in the body. When produced by the bone marrow the ‘immature’ white blood cells are released into the peripheral blood and are called bands or stabs. They are destroyed in the lymphatic system 13 to 20 days after they are produced by the bone marrow.
White blood cells help fight infection through a process known as ‘phagocytosis’ wherein they surround the foreign organisms and then destroy it. Along with fighting infection, white blood cells also help produce, transport and distribute antibodies to build the body’s immune system. In case of acute infection, the white blood cells produce a substance known as the colony-stimulating factor (CSF), which stimulates the bone marrow to increase the white blood cell production. The production of the cells can be doubled within a few hours.
White Blood Cell Count
The complete blood count provides a count of the white blood cell and also an automated differential count that determines the percentage of the five types of mature white blood cells present in the human body. The five types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lympocytes, basophils, eosinophils and monocytes. Neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils have a multi-lobed nucleus. These are differentiated based on the color of the cytoplasm, size and the color of the nucleus and lastly, the size and color of the granules present in the blood cells. The white blood cell count helps provide information about various illnesses and also help monitor the patient’s recovery once treatment is started. The differential blood count indicates as to which kind of blood cells are the most affected.
The normal white blood count is between 4500 and 10000 cells per micro-liter depending on the sex and age of the individual with each type of white blood cell representing:
* Neutrophils: 50 – 70%
* Lympocytes: 25 – 35%
* Basophils: 0.4 – 1%
* Eosinophils: 1 – 3%
* Monocytes: 4 – 6%
A high blood count (above 30000 cells per micro-liter) indicates is not a specific disease by itself but indicates infection, systemic illness, inflammation, allergy, leukemia and tissue injury caused due to burns. The count of white blood cells also increases when certain medicines like antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs. Smoking and too much of mental stress also increases the count of the white blood cells in the body. Also, once the count of white blood cell is on the higher side, the risk of cardiovascular mortality also increases. It turns into a vicious circle. On the other end, a low count of white blood cells indicates viral infections, low immunity and bone marrow failure. A severely low white blood count that is the count of less than 2500 cells per micro-liter is a cause for a critical alert and possess a high risk of sepsis.
The white blood count is an easily available, inexpensive and a reliable test which enables the doctors to arrive at better prognosis regarding the patient’s well being. However, researchers believe that a cause and effect link between the higher white blood cell count and illness has not been established and they continue to evaluate if the elevated count helps trigger a serious disease or if the cells count rises naturally after an illness.
It is very important to undergo annual physical checkups and insist on a complete blood count analysis, especially as you grow older. Diseases like cancer if detected early can be treated very easily when compared to detecting it at an advanced stage. Exercise regularly and take care of your physical and mental well being. Eat healthy and lead a long and full filling life.

Leukocytes - White Blood Cells

Want information about white blood cells or leukocytes? Here is some information that you can find useful
We all know about blood gushing through our veins, but have we stopped to think what this very same blood is made of? Blood consists of Red Blood cells, White blood cells and platelets.

Introduction to Leukocytes
Leukocytes or White blood cells are those cells in your blood that have the responsibility of defending your body against infections and diseases. They not only fight infections but also guard the body against foreign objects like germs and bacteria. White blood cells and red blood cells are both produced from the stem cell of the bone marrow. There are more that 6000 white blood cells in every millimeter of blood in the body, which is equivalent to more than ½ million white blood cells in every drop of blood! The life expectancy of white blood cells in only 2 or 3 days, after which they die and destroyed by the other white blood cells in blood and replaced with new and fresh cells. Where the number of leukocytes in the blood increases, it is an indication of a disease or infection. Under normal conditions, there should be 4x109 and 11x109 white blood cells per liter or blood, which is equivalent to 1% of the healthy blood in the body. In case the body is suffering from leukemia, this count will be must higher and in case of leukopenia it will be much lower.

Composition of leukocytes
Leukocytes or White blood cells, as the name suggests are white or rather colorless. This is because they do not contain hemoglobin that is responsible for the red color in the red blood cells. They are rather asymmetrical in shape and consist of a nucleus, and much larger than red blood cells. These leukocytes can easily change their shape, which enable them to squeeze into walls of blood vessels and between other cells.

Types of Leukocytes
There are different types of leukocytes, though their most common classification is as per the presence of granules.
* Granulocytes – these are leukocytes that are commonly characterized by the presence of different granules in their cytoplasm. These types of leukocytes are responsible mainly for the digestion of endocytosed particles in the blood stream. There are three different type of Granulocytes: Neutrophils, Basophils and Eosinophils, these names are given according to their staining properties.
* Agranulocytes – these are leukocytes, which lack specific types of granules in the cytoplasm. There are two different types of Agranulocytes: Monocytes and Macrophages

Function of different types of leukocytes:
* Neutrophils – these types of leukocytes help in fighting and defending the body against infections of bacterial and fungal variety. They also play a part in minute inflammatory processes and also initially respond to microbial infections. Pus is formed in the body when these Neutrophils are active. These are also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
* Eosinophils – these are responsible for dealing with infections of the parasitic variety and an increase in these is the indication of such infections. Eosinophils are active in the body when the body is suffering from asthma, hay fever, hives and other parasitic infections.
* Basophils – the function of Basophils is to help the body fight against allergies and antigens, this is possible as they help in releasing chemical histamine.
* Monocytes – these leukocytes are the cleaners for Neutrophils. But other than that they are responsible for presenting the T cells with pathogens for their destruction.
* Macrophage – these are converted Monocytes that help in cleaning out the dead cells in the blood stream.

Low White Blood Cell Count

White blood cells are an important part of the human body’s immune system. Their count decreases due to different causes and leads to various health problems. Here is some useful information about low white blood cell count.

Low White Blood Cell Count
Blood is a liquid connective tissue, composed of plasma and different types of cells. Blood plays an important role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to all the body organs. Its two major functions are:
1. Transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide, ions, food molecules such as lipids, glucose and amino acids, hormones and wastes
2. Protection of the body against infection and foreign bodies. It consists of different types of cells such as Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets/thrombocytes.


What are White Blood Cells?
White blood cells or leukocytes are the cells of the immune system. They protect the body against the foreign materials and infections. They are divided into two categories such as granulocytes and agranulocytes. The granulocytes are of three types such as neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. Lymphocytes and monocytes are the agranulocytes. The normal count of white blood cells is 4,000-10,000/mm3. They have a short lifespan, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. These cells offer defensive properties to blood in order to fight against the infections and the invading foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. If number of leukocytes increases than the normal count, the condition is known as leukemia. If the white blood cell count is below normal, it is known as leukopenia. There may be decrease in individual leukocyte percentage, e.g. neutropenia, i.e., a decrease in number of neutrophils. The reduction of all types of white blood cells is known as panleukopenia.

Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count
An abnormal low white blood cell count is associated with a number of causes and medical conditions. Some of the causes of leukopenia are aplastic anemia, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, liver diseases, spleen diseases, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as zinc and copper, and autoimmune diseases. Certain infections such as viral infections can cause low white blood cell count. Some of the medications including chemotherapy drugs, some of the antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs also lead to leukopenia. Certain bone marrow diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia reduce the white blood cell count. Sometimes, the exact cause of leukopenia is not known, it is referred to as idiopathic.

Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count
When the white blood cell count is reduced, the body tends to catch the infection easily. Fever is the first indication of infection. The gastrointestinal system and bladder are the areas of potential infection. Hence, watch for the symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, rectal bleeding and urination problems. Mouth sores, sore gums or canker sores also indicate the decreased white blood cell count. Sore throat, cough, headache and sneezing are the signs of lung or sinus infection. Whenever you notice these symptoms, consult the doctor and if needed, have the blood test to determine the white cell count.
Effects of Low White Blood Cell Count
A reduction in white blood cell count leads to weakened immune system, as these cells are an integral part of the immune system. A person with low white blood cell count is at higher risk of bacterial, fungal and viral infections due to a compromised immune system. The infections of gastrointestinal system, lungs, throat and bladder are are some typical examples of low white blood cell count infections.

Treatment for Low White blood Cell Count
When you notice the symptoms of infection due to leukopenia, you should immediately consult the doctor. Complete blood count and absolute neutrophil count are the commonly recommended tests for the diagnosis of leukopenia. Sometimes, a bone marrow examination is suggested by the doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
The medications used to treat leukopenia are known as 'growth factors'. They consist of cytokines, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce more number of white cells. Two commonly prescribed drugs are filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Some antimicrobial medications and antibiotics are also prescribed by the doctors to treat the infections. If low white blood cell count is due to the chemotherapy drugs, it is advised to delay the chemotherapy treatment or reduce the chemotherapy dose. Have a balanced and nutritious diet.

Precautions for People with Low White Blood Cell Count
People with low white blood cell count need to take some precautions in order to minimize the risk of infection. Hands are the means of a spread of infections. Hence, wash your hands frequently with soap and plenty of water. Dry and chapped skin is more prone to infection. In order to keep your skin moisturized, use a body lotion after each wash. Try to avoid large crowds in order to avoid any contact with the infected and sick people. Stay away from the things that can cause cuts or wounds on your skin. Wear gloves and mask whenever possible. If you have any kind of wound or trauma, get it treated immediately.