Did you know? The number of white blood cells can indicate abnormalities in the body. Let’s take a look at what high or low white blood cell counts may reveal.
White blood cells are one of the body’s key components responsible for eliminating pathogens and foreign substances. Your white blood cell (WBC) count can indicate various abnormalities in the body. Let’s look at how high or low WBC counts can affect your health.
“White blood cells” and their role in the body
White blood cells are a type of blood cell found in the circulatory system and throughout the body. As a part of the immune system, they play a crucial role in removing pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances that enter the body.
Normally, the body has about 4,500–10,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Whether the WBC count is higher or lower than this range, it can signal diseases or abnormalities occurring in the body.
What is a high white blood cell count and what are the symptoms?
A high white blood cell count means the number of WBCs in the blood is above normal. This often occurs as the body mounts an immune response to foreign agents—such as infections, viruses, or certain medications. When WBCs exceed 11,000 cells per microliter, it suggests the body may be facing an abnormal condition, such as infection or inflammation.
Symptoms of a high white blood cell count
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Body aches
- Excessive sweating
- Poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising
However, these symptoms are not specific to a high WBC count and may indicate other conditions. If they persist for more than 1–3 days, or become chronic for over a week, you should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment for a high white blood cell count
First, doctors will look for the cause of the elevated WBCs. If it isn’t dangerous, treatment may not be necessary. If the WBC count is abnormally high, the goal is to identify and treat the root cause.
In severe cases of markedly elevated WBCs, physicians may consider therapeutic plasma exchange to lower circulating cells and reduce the risk of complications.
What is a low white blood cell count and what are the symptoms?
A low white blood cell count means the number of WBCs in the blood falls below normal. Causes include bone marrow disorders—the source of WBC production—or severe viral infections that rapidly destroy WBCs as the body fights pathogens.
Symptoms of a low white blood cell count
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Severe cough
- Mouth sores
- Burning pain during urination
- Diarrhea
If these symptoms occur, monitor yourself closely. If they last longer than a week or worsen, seek prompt medical evaluation.
Treatment for a low white blood cell count
In many cases, a mildly low WBC count can resolve without treatment. If the level is significantly low, doctors will investigate and address the underlying cause. Management may also consider any coexisting diseases. Patients should strictly follow infection-prevention measures while the WBC count remains low, since infections can become more severe during this time.
Any abnormality in the body can be an early warning sign of a serious condition. If you notice unusual symptoms, visit a doctor for diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan at Synphaet Ramintra Hospital, a hospital near Kaset–Nawamin. Book online or contact Call Center 02-793-5000.
