Your white blood cell count is an essential indicator of your health. It can tell you a lot about your body’s functions and can help diagnose various conditions. It will cover the normal range, what could cause it to increase or decrease, and some common symptoms associated with changes in white blood cells. This article will discuss the different things you should know about your white blood cell count. That way, you can better understand your health and what it means.
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White Blood Cells Vs. Red Blood Cells
White and red blood cells are essential for our body to function properly. While they have different roles, they are both integral parts of your immune system. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection, while red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. Both cells are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. White blood cells are larger than red blood cells and have a lifespan of about 13 days.
On the other hand, red blood cells are much smaller and have a lifespan of around 120 days. Although they have different roles, white and red blood cells work together to keep you healthy. Without either type of cell, your body would be unable to fight infection or transport oxygen, leading to serious health problems.
The Normal Range For White Blood Cell Count
The normal white blood cell count range varies depending on a person’s age and health. The upper end of the normal range is typically between 11,000 and 18,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. The lower end of the normal range is between 4,500 and 10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. However, it is vital to remember that the normal white blood cell count range can vary slightly from lab to lab.
As a result, it is always best to consult a doctor or medical professional to get an accurate idea of the normal range for white blood cell count for a specific individual.
Things That Can Cause Your White Blood Cells To Increase
Many things can cause your white blood cell count to increase. One of the most common is an infection. When your body fights off an infection, your immune system will produce more white blood cells to help defend against the invading pathogen. Other common causes of an elevated white blood cell count include inflammation, stress, and medications.
In some cases, a high white blood cell count can be indicative of a more serious underlying condition such as leukemia or lymphoma. You should speak with a doctor if you have any concerns about your white blood cell count. They can order further testing and determine if there is cause for concern.
Things That Can Cause Your White Blood Cells To Decrease
Unfortunately, many things can cause your white blood cell count to decrease. One of the most common is stress. When you’re under a lot of stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol suppresses your immune system, which means you’re less able to fight off infections. Another common cause of low white blood cell count is certain medications, such as chemotherapy.
These drugs kill all fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer and white blood cells. As a result, people undergoing chemotherapy treatment are at an increased risk of infection. Many medical conditions can lead to a decrease in white blood cells. One example is autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. In these conditions, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and the destruction of white blood cells.
