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White Blood Cells

White blood cells–known in technical language as leukocytes–are largely responsible for fighting infections and harmful substances. They are called this because they appear white when viewed under a microscope. In order to protect the body, white blood cells receive a message that they are needed somewhere, for example when harmful substances or viruses enter the body. If enough leukocytes are available, they move to the affected area to destroy and deal with the invaders.
Blood
Human body

What Are White Blood Cells?

White blood cells are generally blood cells produced in bone marrow. They can be differentiated into categories: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. If there are not enough, or too many, leukocytes in the blood count, this indicates disease or a white blood cell disorder. In adults, a normal white blood cell count is fewer than 11,000 cells per micro liter of blood.

What Does It Mean if the White Blood Cell Count Is Too High?

White blood cells comparison – normal count and high count.

If the white blood cell count is significantly above normal levels, this is called leukocytosis and can be caused by the following:

  • Body's response to an infection
  • Medication such as corticosteroids
  • Tumor or cancer
  • Inflammation

However, a high concentration of white blood cells does not always indicate disease. Once the inflammation subsides, the leukocyte count returns to the level it was before the inflammation. If the leukocyte count is still too high even after a certain time, then further tests are necessary to find the true cause of the elevated white blood cell count.

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How Can White Blood Cell Levels Be Increased?

Doctors can prescribe antibiotics or appropriate medications to encourage the bone marrow to produce more leukocytes.

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What Are the Symptoms of Too Few White Blood Cells?

If the white blood cell count is too low, this is called leukopenia. Mild cases of leukopenia have hardly any symptoms. However, the risk of infection increases, so the body cannot fight infection easily and the immune system is weakened as a result.

Leukopenia is associated with the following symptoms:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Pyrexia
  • Abscess
  • Inflammations in various places: oral mucosa, nose (sinusitis), throat, lungs
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