What if white blood cells are high?

A high WBC count (leukocytosis) often signals your body is fighting infection or inflammation. It can also occur with stress, allergies, or blood disorders. Your doctor will investigate the cause and recommend treatment.

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01-08-2024 Team Medicover hematology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Khan Mohammed Taha Ali

White Blood Cells (WBC) Types and Why They Matter?

White Blood Cells (WBCs), often called the soldiers of the immune system, play a vital role in protecting our health. This guide explains the different types of white blood cells, their functions, and how they defend the body against infections and disease.

Understanding how these cells work helps you appreciate your bodyâ€™s immune system and make informed lifestyle choices to keep it strong.

What are White Blood Cells?

White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are key immune cells made in your bone marrow and found in blood and lymphatic tissues. They patrol the body to detect and eliminate pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and abnormal cells like cancer.

By attacking and removing these threats, WBCs maintain health and support the bodyâ€™s defense mechanisms.

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Types of White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs) protect the body from infections and diseases. There are five main types, each with a specific immune function:

Neutrophils: Fight bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes: Comprise B and T cells, which are crucial for immunity.
Monocytes: Engage in phagocytosis, engulfing and digesting foreign material.
Eosinophils: Target parasitic infections and allergic reactions.
Basophils: Release histamine and other substances during allergic reactions.

What Medical Conditions Affect White Blood Cells?

Certain diseases and conditions can increase or decrease WBC counts, weakening immune defense or signaling underlying health issues:

Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause spikes or drops in WBCs.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may attack WBCs.
Cancer: Blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma start in WBCs.
Bone marrow disorders: Aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes reduce WBC production.
HIV/AIDS: Destroys specific lymphocytes, weakening immunity.
Medications: Chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, or steroids can lower WBC counts.
Stress and malnutrition: Can reduce WBC production or impair function.

Why White Blood Cells Matter?

Understanding the importance of white blood cells extends beyond mere academic interest. They are essential for:

Infection Control: WBCs are the first line of defence against infections, targeting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Immune Response Regulation: They play a crucial role in regulating the body's immune response, ensuring that it is neither too weak nor overly aggressive.
Healing and Repair: They assist in healing wounds and repairing tissues.
Cancer Defense: Certain WBCs actively engage in destroying cancerous cells, offering an internal line of protection against malignancies.

How White Blood Cells Work?

White blood cells have an amazing capacity for engagement, removal, and detection.

Detection: WBCs are continually patrolling the body, looking for foreign invaders.
Engagement: Once an invader is detected, WBCs will engage it, often by surrounding and engulfing it.
Elimination: The foreign substance is then broken down and eliminated, with the WBCs standing ready to engage the next invader.

Factors Affecting White Blood Cell Count

Several factors can influence the WBC count in the body, including:

Diet: Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining healthy WBC levels.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can enhance immune function.
Stress: Chronic stress might decrease WBC effectiveness.
Medical Conditions: Various diseases and treatments, like chemotherapy, may affect WBC count.

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Conclusion

White blood cells are a key part of our blood that help protect us from infections, illness, and even cancer. Understanding the types of white blood cells and their functions, neutrophils fight bacteria, while lymphocytes (B and T cells) produce antibodies and kill infected cells. Monocytes engulf debris, and eosinophils attack parasites and allergens.

Basophils release histamine, which helps you see how each keeps you healthy. To support them, eat well, stay active, and manage stress, which all boost your immune system and overall health.

A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) means your body has fewer defenders against germs. You may get frequent infections, fevers, or feel very tired. It can result from illnesses, medications, or bone marrow problems.

Yes. A simple blood draw called a complete blood count (CBC) measures your WBC count and types. Itâ€™s done in most clinics or hospitals and helps diagnose infections, immune disorders, and blood diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

To raise WBC, eat balanced meals, sleep 7â€“9 h, exercise, manage stress, and treat infections promptly. To lower high WBC, address the cause with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, or take doctor-prescribed immunosuppressants.

A healthy adult WBC count is about 4,500â€“11,000 cells per microliter of blood. Counts outside this range may suggest infection, inflammation, or other issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Enjoy vitamin Câ€“rich fruits (citrus, berries), leafy greens (spinach, kale), garlic, yogurt, nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds), lean proteins (chicken, fish), beans, and mushrooms to help boost WBC production.