Understanding White Blood Cell Levels and Their Significance
This article explains the importance of white blood cell (WBC) counts, what high and low levels indicate, and why regular testing through CBC is vital for assessing immune health. It highlights symptoms and causes related to WBC abnormalities.
Understanding White Blood Cell Levels in Blood Tests
White blood cells (WBCs) play a crucial role in defending the body against infections, bacteria, germs, and viruses. Monitoring WBC levels helps assess immune system health. In adults, a typical WBC count ranges from 3,500 to 10,500 cells per microliter of blood.
Elevated WBC counts can indicate various conditions: While high WBC levels are often overlooked, they may signal stress, inflammation, injury, allergies, or infections. It’s essential to check WBC levels through a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test to determine the cause.
What does a low WBC count imply? WBCs are produced in bone marrow. A decrease can result from viral infections, congenital disorders, medications, cancer, or autoimmune diseases that impair bone marrow function.
Symptoms associated with low WBC levels include headaches, fever, and body pain, indicating a weakened immune system. Conversely, high WBC levels often lack symptoms but still warrant medical evaluation to identify underlying issues.
