Understanding Your White Blood Cell Count

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.

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.

Symptoms There Is Something Wrong With Your White Blood Cells

Although everyone is different, a few general symptoms may indicate something is wrong with your white blood cells. And depending on the underlying cause, you could experience a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common:

Fever

A fever is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. The body’s temperature rises in response to an infection or other illness. The fever is not harmful, but it can signify something wrong with the body’s white blood cells. White blood cells are essential to the immune system and help fight off infections.

The body is more susceptible to illness when they are not working correctly. A fever is often the first sign that something is wrong with the white blood cells, and it can be a helpful tool for doctors in diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Fatigue

Like most people, you think of fatigue as simply feeling tired. But fatigue is more than just being sleepy. When you are fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. You may be so tired that it is hard to concentrate or even to take care of yourself. Fatigue can be a symptom of many underlying medical conditions. For example, fatigue is a common symptom of anemia, which occurs when your red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to your tissues.

Fatigue is also a symptom of many types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. These diseases can cause your white blood cells to become abnormal and unable to fight infection effectively.

Weight Loss

People are often unhappy with their weight and always look for new ways to lose those unwanted pounds. However, weight loss can also signify something is wrong with your health. One possible cause of weight loss is an abnormality in your white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infection; if they are not functioning properly, you may be more susceptible to illness.

In addition, white blood cells regulate metabolism, and an imbalance can lead to weight loss. If you have recently lost weight without changing your diet or exercise habits, you must see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes may be one of the biggest indications that something is wrong with the white blood cells in your body. The lymph nodes are a small bean-shaped structure that is throughout the body. They are bean-shaped and mostly clustered around the neck, armpits, and groin. The role of the lymph nodes is to filter out bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances from the lymphatic fluid before it enters the bloodstream.

Lymph nodes usually become swollen when they are fighting off an infection. However, swollen lymph nodes can also be a symptom of cancer or other immune system diseases. Therefore, you should be mindful of any persistent swelling in your lymph nodes and see a doctor if the swelling does not go away after a couple of weeks.

Don’t Forget About Your White Blood Cell Count!

Although you can’t see them, your white blood cells are vital in keeping you healthy. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infection and helping the body to heal. Therefore, it is vital to know the symptoms that may indicate something is wrong with your white blood cells. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you must see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.