I have had repeated blood tests over the last 18 months which have shown high WCC. My latest results were high WCC (19) and neutrophilia (14) and I have to have another blood test this week. I have also been getting constant headaches since December. I am worried that this may indicate something sinister like Leukemia. Can anyone put my mind at rest?
Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team
White blood cells or leukocytes helps in defending the body against infection.There is an increase in white blood cell count production when the body counter attacks an infection. High white blood cell count requires further evaluation as there are many possible conditions that may have the same manifestation.
High WBC count is also observed in bone marrow disease and immune system disorders. Possible causes of increased WBC count include bacterial infections, myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, tissue damage, leukemia, and whooping cough.
There are different types of white blood cells, neutrophils are the most common. They make up about 45 to 75% of all white blood cells. Neutrophils play a key role in the body’s natural response to infection. It is considered as the body’s first line of defense against diseases.
There are many reasons for increased neutrophil count. It is a typical reaction of the body as it tries to fight microorganisms or foreign substance, or recover from injury. Neutrophilia is not limited to malignancies. This could occur in acute infection and inflammation such as ear infections, appendicitis, salphingitis- inflammation in the fallopian tubes, meningitis, cholecystitis-inflammation of the gall bladder, soft tissue infections. Non-infectious inflammations such as gout, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypersensitivity reactions are also known to contribute to neutrophilia. Other possible causes include intestinal obstructions, acute hemorrhage, uremia, pregnancy, poisoning, and a rare disease known as leukocyte adhesion deficiency
Some people tend to think about the worst possible health problems that they could have whenever they find out that their test results are not within the normal range. It’s important to keep in mind that many diseases share the same signs and symptoms. Good thing that you are being examined. On your next visit to your doctor, I would recommend that you tell him or her about how you feel about your blood test results. You could also ask whether you need further tests and what are the conditions that he or she suspects.
This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.
References:
Gorbach, S. Bartlett,J. Blacklow,N. 2003. Infectious diseases.Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Third edition
Beck, N. 2008.Diagnostic Hematology.Springer
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/208576-overview
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/print/sec14/ch174/ch174c.html
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Tags: blood test results, High WBC, neutrophilia
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