Low White Blood Cell Count | Its Impact On Your Health

Blood cell counts give your doctor important clues about the state of your health before, during and after treatment. Blood counts alone can’t determine whether you have a blood cancer, but they can alert your doctor if further testing is needed.

A complete blood count (CBC) is the number and types of cells circulating in your blood. Your CBC is measured using laboratory tests that require a small blood sample.

Blood is composed of several types of cells:

• Red cells, sometimes referred to as erythrocytes, pick up oxygen as blood passes through the lungs and release it to the cells in the body.
• White cells, sometimes referred to as leukocytes, help fight bacteria and viruses.
• Platelets help your blood clot in response to a cut or a wound.

A CBC also tests hemoglobin and hematocrit:

• Hemoglobin is a protein used by red cells to distribute oxygen to other tissues and cells in the body.
• Hematocrit refers to the amount of your blood that’s occupied by red cells.

Normal Blood Counts

Normal blood counts fall within a range established by testing healthy men and women of all ages. The cell counts are compared to those of healthy individuals of similar age and sex. Nearly all lab reports include a “normal” range or high and low “values” to help you understand test results.

Normal Ranges of Blood Cell Counts for Healthy Adults and Children 

¹The ratio of hematocrit to hemoglobin is about 3 to 1.
²Normal ranges for women who are pregnant differ from these ranges.
³These ranges are for children from infancy to adolescence; speak with your doctor to find out specific values for infants and young children.

White Cell Differential

Differential count, sometimes referred to as a “diff,” is a breakdown of the different types of white cells. A white cell (WBC) differential also checks whether white cells appear normal. The five types of white cells and the approximate percentage they make up in the blood are:

• Neutrophils (55% to 70%)
• Band neutrophils (0% to 3%)
• Lymphocytes (20% to 40%)
• Monocytes (2% to 8%)
• Eosinophils (1% to 4%)
• Basophils (0.5% to 1%)

Until children are more than 4 years old, they have a higher percentage of lymphocytes in their blood than adults do.

How Blood Cancers Affect Blood Counts

Blood cancers can affect blood cell counts in a number of ways, either lowering or increasing measurements. If you’re currently receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, drug therapy or radiation, your blood counts will be affected. Blood counts usually return to normal after treatment is complete.

Should You Keep Track of Your Blood Counts?

Some people want to know the results of their blood count tests so they can take preventive measures to protect their health or to what’s causing their symptoms. For example:

• If you have anemia as a result of low red cell counts, you’ll understand why you have low energy levels or are unable to carry out everyday tasks.
• If you have low white cell counts and develop a fever, you’ll know to contact your doctor promptly.
• If your platelet counts are too low, you can bleed or bruise easily, so you may choose to avoid activities that have a risk of injury.

Noncancerous Conditions

About 5 percent of healthy people will have test results outside of the “normal” range. If one or more of your blood cell counts is higher or lower than normal, your doctor will try to find out why. Many noncancerous conditions can contribute to low or high blood cell counts, such as those in the table below.

6 Possible Causes for a Low WBC

Written by K. A. Stump-Sutliff

• What Is “Low”?
• Causes
• Follow-up Tests
• What Happens Next?

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout your body in your blood, looking for invaders. And your body is continuously making a fresh supply.

Your doctor measures how many of these cells you have by sending some of your blood to a lab to do a complete blood count, or CBC. Your white blood cell count is one of the numbers you get back from this test. It may point toward or confirm a diagnosis, or show whether a treatment is working or not.

Most often, a low white blood cell count is nothing to worry about.

How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood.

A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should. A low number is sometimes called leukopenia.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and consider symptoms that you have along with your past medical issues to figure out what’s behind your result.

Bone marrow problems: The spongy center of your bones, which is called the bone marrow, makes blood cells. Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems. Being around certain chemicals, like benzene and pesticides, as well as some types of cancer and cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, can hurt your bone marrow’s ability to make WBCs.

Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs.

Infection: Viruses can affect your bone marrow and cause low WBCs for a while. Severe infections, like blood infections, can lead to your body using up WBCs faster than it can make them. HIV https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/understanding-aids-hiv-symptoms kills a specific kind of white blood cell.

Medicines: Some drugs, including antibiotics, can destroy WBCs.

Nutrition: Not eating well or low levels of certain vitamins, such as folic acid and B12, can affect how your body makes WBCs. Alcohol abuse can mess with the nutrients in your body and with WBC counts, too.

Spleen problems: The spleen also makes WBCs. Infections, blood clots, and other problems can make it swell and not work the way it should. This will drop your WBC count.

If there’s no clear reason for a low white blood cell count, your doctor will probably want to do the test again, or do a differential or “diff” along with the CBC.

This other test gives a lot more detail. There are normal ranges for each of the five kinds of WBCs, and some problems only affect one type. The results of a diff could help your doctor narrow down what’s going on.

Many times, a repeated test will show that your WBC count is normal.

Your doctor may want to do more tests, based on the symptoms you have. For instance, you might get checked for strep throat or mono. Other blood tests can look for a viral infection, inflammation, or allergies. The doctor may want to take a sample of your bone marrow to see if it’s healthy.

When your WBC count is very low, you may need to take steps to avoid an infection.

Your doctor may ask you to see a hematologist. This is a specialist who has extra training for diagnosing and treating blood count problems.

If your WBC count stays low or keeps getting lower, work with your doctor to find out why it’s happening. The right treatment should help your white blood cell count return to normal.

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Why white blood cell count drops: the most common causes

Contents

• 1 Reasons for low white blood cell count and how to avoid problems
  • 1. 1 Infectious diseases and viruses
  • 1.2 Acute blood loss and falling white blood cell count
  • 1.3 Chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders
  • 1.4 Tumors and cancers
  • 1.5 Radiation and chemotherapy
  • 1.6 Why white blood cells fall: some medications
  • 1.7 Genetic disorders and syndromes
  • 1.8 Poor diet and low vitamin levels
  • 1.9 Stress and psychological problems
  • 1.10 Pregnancy and childbirth
  • 1.11 Why white blood cell count drops: the most common Other causes
    • 1.11.1 Long-term alcohol use
  • 1.12 Cause of low white blood cell count: chronic drug use
  • 1.13 Iron deficiency
  • 1.14 Susceptibility to allergic reactions
  • 1.15 Inactive lifestyle
  • 1.16 Sustained use of antibiotics and its effect on white blood cells
  • 1.17 Other causes of low white blood cells
  • 1.18 Related videos:
  • 1.19 Q&A:
    • • 1. 19.0.1 What factors can cause a decrease in the level of leukocytes?
      • 1.19.0.2 What symptoms may indicate a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood?
      • 1.19.0.3 Can a low white blood cell count lead to dangerous diseases?
      • 1.19.0.4 How can I increase my white blood cell count?
      • 1.19.0.5 How does a vitamin deficiency affect the level of leukocytes in the blood?

Find out the causes and possible diseases that can cause low levels of white blood cells, and what to do in such a situation. Useful information for those who want to take care of their health.

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, play an important role in protecting the body from infection and inflammation. However, their blood levels can decrease for various reasons. In this article, we will look at the most common of them and analyze what measures can help restore the level of leukocytes in the blood.

A low white blood cell count can be caused by a variety of factors, from seasonal viral infections to serious illness. For example, infections accompanied by high fever can reduce the level of white blood cells in the blood, as in this case they actively fight pathogens. Also, alcohol abuse and smoking can negatively affect the level of white blood cells.

In some cases, a low white blood cell count may be due to hereditary factors or as a consequence of treatment with certain medications. In any case, this phenomenon requires close careful medical supervision and, if necessary, treatment.

Infectious diseases and viruses

Low white blood cell count can be caused by infectious diseases such as influenza, SARS, chickenpox, hepatitis and others. Viruses can adversely affect the functioning of the bone marrow, which is a source of new white blood cells, which leads to a decrease in their level in the blood. Diseases such as HIV and AIDS can also cause low white blood cell counts.

In addition, infectious diseases can increase the level of immune cells that compete with white blood cells for blood space and resources, which can also lead to a decrease in their level. It is important to take care of your health and take steps to prevent infectious diseases, such as regular handwashing, vaccinations, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

• Symptoms of infectious diseases:
• High body temperature
• Sore throat and head
• Cough
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Crackling sound in the chest 9 0008
• Weakness and fatigue

Acute blood loss and level drop leukocytes in the blood

Acute blood loss can be one of the causes of a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood. Blood loss can be caused by trauma, surgery, or bleeding from an ulcer or tumor.

If the blood loss cannot be controlled, a rapid and significant decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood can occur. This can lead to a decrease in immunity and the possibility of developing infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention in case of blood loss. Doctors will carry out the necessary procedures to stop the bleeding and restore the level of leukocytes in the blood.

Chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders

A drop in the level of leukocytes in the blood may be associated with various chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders. In such cases, the immune system does not function properly and may begin to attack its own cells and tissues.

Autoimmune disorders can affect various organs and systems of the body, such as the thyroid gland, joints, skin, blood, and others. This can lead to low levels of white blood cells and an increased risk of infections.

Also, some chronic diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others can lead to low levels of white blood cells. This is because these diseases can destroy blood cells or interfere with their production in the bone marrow.

If you have a chronic disease or autoimmune disorder, it is important to keep your white blood cell count and get regular medical checkups.

Tumors and oncological diseases

Tumors and oncological diseases are one of the reasons for the decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood. As a rule, low levels of white blood cells are observed in patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a negative effect on the bone marrow, which can lead to a disruption in the production of white blood cells.

It is important to note that a decrease in the level of leukocytes in cancer is not the only sign of the disease and should be considered in conjunction with other symptoms.

Radiation and chemotherapy

One reason for a drop in white blood cells may be radiation or chemotherapy given to treat cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy have a devastating effect on white blood cells, which are the basis of immunity.

During chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs kill not only cancer cells, but also healthy blood cells, including white blood cells. After treatment, the white blood cell count may decrease for several days or weeks, but it usually recovers over time.

Radiation can also affect white blood cell count. High doses of radiation can severely damage the immune system, leading to a decrease in white blood cell count.

WBC levels may recover after chemotherapy or radiation is finished, but it may take time for the body to fully recover from such intensive treatments.

Why white blood cells fall: some medicines

Some medicines can negatively affect the level of white blood cells, which can lead to a decrease in their number. In particular, this applies to chemotherapeutic agents that are used to treat cancer. They act not only on cancer cells, but also on healthy cells, including white blood cells.

Also be aware that some medicines can cause allergic reactions, which can also lower the white blood cell count. Therefore, if you have had allergic reactions to any medications in the past, be sure to let your doctor know so that he can choose the safest treatment for you.

Genetic disorders and syndromes

A low white blood cell count can be due to many reasons. One of them is genetic disorders and syndromes, such as agranulocytosis, hereditary spherocytosis, Fanconian anemia and others.

Agranulocytosis is a genetic disease in which the level of leukocytes drops to critical levels, which can lead to various complications and even death. Hereditary spherocytosis is another genetic pathology in which the altered red blood cell does not pass through the spleen, which leads to its enlargement and hyperfunction.

Fanconian anemia is a rare hereditary disorder that causes DNA damage and low levels of white blood cells. Such disorders require complex treatment and constant medical supervision.

1. Genetic disorders can cause not only a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood, but also other diseases and malfunctions.
2. Pay attention to hereditary predisposition to diseases and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Poor nutrition and low vitamin levels

One of the main causes of low white blood cell levels is a lack of nutrients such as vitamins. This may be due to malnutrition and an unbalanced diet.

To avoid deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients, you need to watch your diet. It is recommended to consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, eggs and meat.

• Vitamin A is found in carrots, pumpkins, marrows, red peppers and egg yolks.
• Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese.
• Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwifruit, red and green peppers, strawberries, potatoes and broccoli.
• Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes and egg yolks.

In addition to proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate rest, and stress reduction, is essential to maintaining white blood cell levels.

In case of lack of vitamins and other nutrients, you can consult a doctor to prescribe suitable vitamin and mineral preparations.

Stress and psychological problems

One of the most common causes of low white blood cell count is stress. Emotional and psychological stress can significantly affect the immune system by lowering the level of white blood cells.

Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety can also lower your white blood cell count. In this regard, it is important to take measures to manage the emotional state and psychological health.

It is important to remember that stress and psychological problems can become a risk factor for various diseases, so it is necessary to contact specialists and carry out full treatment if such problems arise.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes that a woman’s body experiences for a long time. During pregnancy, the level of white blood cells may vary depending on the stage. For example, in the first trimester, white blood cell levels may be below normal due to the production of certain hormones.

However, during labor, white blood cell levels may rise as the body responds to the stress and inflammation associated with childbirth. But after giving birth, your white blood cell count should return to normal within a few weeks.

If a woman has non-structural changes in the level of white blood cells, this may be due to infections that may be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. For example, a urinary tract infection or an infection in the postpartum period. Therefore, it is very important to treat any infections during pregnancy and after childbirth on time.

• Conclusion: Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the level of leukocytes in the blood of women. However, if changes in the level of leukocytes are not supported by objective reasons, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Why white blood cell count drops: the most common causes

Long-term alcohol use

One of the most common causes of low white blood cell count is long-term alcohol consumption. Alcohol can have a toxic effect on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to a decrease in the level of white blood cells.

In addition, alcohol also stimulates the production of steroid hormones, which negatively affect the blood and can lead to dehydration. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood.

In addition, long-term alcohol consumption can lead to liver and kidney damage, which can also adversely affect the body’s hematopoietic system.

Cause of low white blood cell count: chronic drug use

Chronic drug use can lead to serious side effects, including a decrease in white blood cell count. Leukocytes are one of the main elements of the immune system, responsible for protecting the body from infections and diseases.

Although drugs can cause various symptoms and pathologies, a decrease in white blood cell count is one of the most common side effects. Its cause can be both the direct effect of narcotic substances on the blood, and their effect on the body as a whole.

Drug use may affect the synthesis of white blood cells by changing the chemical balance in the blood. Also, drugs can damage the bone marrow, which can lead to a decrease in the production of new white blood cells.

It is important to note that chronic drug use can have a negative effect not only on the level of leukocytes in the blood, but also on other body systems, which often leads to serious health consequences.

If you use drugs and notice symptoms of a low white blood cell count, you should contact your doctor immediately and receive appropriate treatment.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency may be a possible cause of low white blood cell count. Iron is an important element in the composition of hemoglobin, which is found in erythrocytes – one of the varieties of leukocytes. If there is not enough iron in the body, then the number of red blood cells decreases, which inevitably leads to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood.

Iron deficiency can be due to various reasons: insufficient intake of iron from food, its low absorption, frequent blood loss, as well as unignored monthly bleeding in women. In this regard, it is important to eat right, taking into account foods rich in iron. Doctors also recommend taking special preparations containing iron to maintain a normal level of its concentration in the blood.

Keep in mind that iron deficiency, in addition to a decrease in the number of white blood cells, can also lead to other adverse effects such as physical weakness, fatigue, dizziness, burning skin and problems with the immune system. Therefore, at the first signs of iron deficiency, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to prevent the situation from aggravating.

Predisposition to allergic reactions

Low white blood cell count may be associated with a predisposition to allergic reactions. People who suffer from allergies often have elevated levels of immunoglobulin E, which can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood.

Allergies can be related to diet, environment or genetic factors. With allergic reactions, the immune system begins to fight a non-existent threat, which can lead to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood.

In case of frequent allergic reactions, it is recommended to consult an allergist to determine the allergens and carry out appropriate treatment in order to avoid possible health consequences.

To strengthen the immune system, it is also recommended to follow a proper diet, consume enough vitamins and minerals and avoid contact with possible allergens.

Inactive lifestyle

One of the most common factors leading to low white blood cell count is an inactive lifestyle. Lack of physical activity, sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle in general can adversely affect the functioning of the immune system. Without regular exercise, the body may not get enough oxygen and nutrients, especially if the diet is also unbalanced.

An inactive lifestyle can also lead to obesity, which can also negatively affect the immune system. Too much weight can lead to various health problems, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can damage cells and tissue structures.

So even if you can’t go for a run or go to the gym, it’s important to incorporate at least some physical activity into your lifestyle, such as taking a daily walk or exercising at work. You can also make changes to your diet by adding more fruits, vegetables, and proteins to boost your immune system.

Sustained use of antibacterial drugs and its effect on white blood cells

Antibacterial drugs are widely used to treat infectious diseases, but their long-term use can negatively affect the level of white blood cells.

With prolonged use of antibiotics, they begin to kill not only pathogenic bacteria, but also beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the body. This can lead to dysbacteriosis and weakened immunity, which in turn can lead to a decrease in the level of leukocytes.

In addition, the sustained use of antibiotics can lead to the formation of superbugs that no longer respond to standard treatment and can cause serious infections.

Therefore, antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a doctor and in accordance with the recommended course of treatment. It is also important to take probiotics to restore healthy microflora and maintain immunity.

Other causes of low white blood cell count

In addition to the reasons already mentioned, the level of leukocytes in the blood can decrease for a number of other reasons:

• Use of certain drugs – Some drugs can have a negative effect on the formation of leukocytes in the blood. For example, chimes, aspirin and methimazole with prolonged use can cause a decrease in the number of leukocytes.
• Viral infections – With viral infections, the level of leukocytes may decrease due to the increased activity of the immune system in the fight against the virus.
• Increased stress – Increased stress levels can lower your white blood cell count.
• Pathologies of the bone marrow – the bone marrow is a source of leukocytes, therefore, violations of its work can lead to a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood.

If the level of leukocytes in the blood is low, then it is necessary to undergo an additional examination and identify the cause of the decrease, as this may indicate the presence of various diseases and require appropriate treatment.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What factors can cause a decrease in white blood cells?

Answer: A decrease in the level of white blood cells in the blood can be caused by various causes, for example, infectious diseases (for example, viral hepatitis, chicken pox, viral meningitis), exposure to toxic substances, autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus), radiation sickness, some drugs (for example, cytostatics).

What symptoms may indicate a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood?

Answer: Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the low white blood cell count. However, general symptoms may be observed, such as increased fatigue, decreased appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, fever, headaches, depression, and others.

Can a low level of leukocytes in the blood lead to the development of dangerous diseases?

Answer: A low level of white blood cells can mean that the immune system is weakened, which can lead to the development of various infectious and oncological diseases. However, such a forecast does not always take place, and a more detailed assessment of the situation on an individual basis is necessary.

How can the level of leukocytes in the blood be increased?

Answer: An increase in the level of leukocytes is a consequence of treatment and elimination of the reasons for the decrease in their level. For example, for infectious diseases, antibacterial and antiviral drugs are prescribed, and for autoimmune diseases, drugs that reduce the activity of the immune system.

How does a vitamin deficiency affect the level of leukocytes in the blood?

Answer: Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, can lead to low levels of white blood cells. Therefore, it is important to maintain a normal level of vitamins in the body, including through regular consumption of nutritious foods or taking special vitamin complexes.

How can I understand the results of a complete blood count?

Muscovites in test mode have been given access to an electronic medical record — a history of visits to doctors for three years. This practice may soon spread throughout the country, and people will study how health indicators have changed. More often than others, a general blood test is found in the card. It includes about two dozen parameters: some are vital, others deviate from the norm only in rare diseases. Together with Andrey Besedin, Candidate of Medical Sciences, GMS Clinic family doctor, we will tell you what the change in the level of the main ones means and why it is almost always prescribed first.

When is one test sufficient?

In some cases, the doctor, having received the result of the analysis from the finger, already understands what the problem is and how to solve it.

“Blood very often helps to identify various signs of the disease by the balance of blood cells and the ratio of cells,” says Andrey Besedin, Candidate of Medical Sciences, family doctor at GMS Clinic. – For example, a deficiency of erythrocytes, coupled with low hemoglobin, is a typical picture of anemia, and it is necessary to look for and eliminate its cause. Sometimes, this is enough to prescribe iron supplements immediately at the appointment.”

A blood test makes it possible to understand, for example, that a patient has a severe infectious disease, and not a common cold. The level of leukocytes will scream about this.

“With a banal acute respiratory disease or acute respiratory viral infection, you can do without analysis,” says Viktor Shcherbina, a therapist at polyclinic No. 2 in the city of Sergiev Posad. – But often there are additional signs: prolonged fever, severe cough, etc. For example, a patient comes with a cold, but the temperature is 37. 2-37.5 ° C for more than a week. It turned out that its cause was an inflammatory process from pyelonephritis – the patient had a cold in the pelvic area.

A general analysis is also a primary oncological screening for diseases of the hematopoietic organs. If suspected, the therapist will immediately refer you to a hematologist or oncologist.

“In case of a serious pathology, several parameters may differ from the norm at once,” says Besedin. – There are exceptions – during the day, a woman’s temperature “jumped” for no reason from 35.5 ° C to 38.5 ° C, severe weakness. All analysis indicators were in order, but the relative and absolute levels of lymphocytes turned out to be many times overestimated. This made it possible to detect a blood cancer at an early stage.”

What to look at first?

According to therapists, the main parameters are the level of hemoglobin, platelets, leukocytes and ESR, which is also the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. As well as the leukocyte formula – the percentage of leukocytes of various types.

Hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for gas exchange and metabolism, is the first thing therapists look at. The level of hemoglobin in women is lower than in men due to the difference in muscle mass. An elevated level is much less common than a lower one and may hint at pathologies of the heart, kidneys or bone marrow. They refer him to a hematologist, unless the patient is a donor. After a transfusion, their red blood cells are sharply restored, so their number rises greatly and they have to continue to donate blood to maintain a balance. But the decrease is most often caused by an unbalanced diet, physical overload and liver disease. A severely reduced rate is a sign of more serious problems.

“If a man has very low hemoglobin, I suspect bleeding,” Shcherbina shares her experience. “Perhaps the smallest drops of blood are secreted in the stomach or intestines, perhaps it’s a hemorrhoid, or the ureter bleeds due to urolithiasis. In women, this, coupled with pallor, indicates serious anemia.

Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. With their low level, the patient will not be taken for an operation – it will not be easy to stop the bleeding. At elevated levels, there is a high risk of blood clots – blood clots that clog a vessel and cause a heart attack or stroke. The level of platelets indicates the state of the vessels, and in combination with others helps to understand the nature of many diseases.

Leukocytes protect the body from infections, viruses and allergens. Before the healthcare reform in Russia, the interval (6-8) * 109 / l was considered the norm, now (4-11) * 109 / l. A deficiency of white blood cells can indicate problems with immunity, a lack of B vitamins, or a disruption in the functioning of the bone marrow. An elevated level indicates inflammation in the body, and the degree of its intensity helps to understand the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

“If leukocytes are less than 4*109/l, ESR is more than 30 mm/h, and neutrophils are increased to 70-80% in the leukocyte formula, I am looking for a focus of inflammation,” says Viktor Shcherbina. – At a temperature below 40 ° C, it can be pneumonia or acute prostatitis. In the opposite situation – an excess of leukocytes and a lack of neutrophils, I suspect lymphocytic leukemia, and refer me to a hematologist.”

Thus, the leukocyte formula helps to understand the source of problems by the immune response: as a rule, only cells, for example, lymphocytes, react to viruses, and neutrophils to bacteria. According to Andrey Besedin, for example, inflammation can be caused by both viruses and bacteria, and leukocyte counts are needed to determine treatment tactics and monitor the patient.

What influences the results and when they can lie?

The figures almost do not depend on age, weight and skin color. 80-year-olds have values ​​better than other young people. If the parameters are slightly outside the norm, but there are no serious complaints, doctors do not prescribe anything for normalization, except for advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The indicators are considered valid for no more than 1-2 weeks, and even less in case of a transient illness or recovery.

“In a patient with erysipelas of an extremity, while taking antibiotics, the parameters of leukocytes improved twice a day,” Besedin says. But over-the-counter drugs, as a rule, do not affect the results. What can not be said about dietary supplements: not all of them pass clinical trials and can not only distort the test results, but also become the cause of the disease themselves.

Doctors admit that sometimes the indicators look almost normal in an obviously unhealthy person. This happens in patients with gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstone disease, and often in those suffering from hypertension. An experienced specialist can suspect some diseases already by the appearance of the tongue, while for the diagnosis of others one cannot do without fibrogastroscopy or ECG and EchoCG.

“A general analysis is prescribed if obvious symptoms are not visible during a visual examination,” Shcherbina says. Often, in the first 1-2 days of illness, a general analysis does not help to identify, for example, acute appendicitis: the level of leukocytes does not rise sharply. If a person starts smoking in adulthood and at the same time leads a sedentary lifestyle, hemoglobin in his blood will remain at a normal level for several more months or even be slightly elevated, while health may deteriorate sharply. And for the diagnosis of the notorious coronavirus, a general analysis is useless. But there is also the other side of the coin: a change in readings due to physiological processes.

“Ladies often come to me with several indicators outside the normal range,” says Viktor Shcherbina. – It turns out that the analysis was given against the background of a large loss of blood during menstruation, but in fact everything is in order. So it is better for women to take it at least a week after the end of menstruation, and if this is not possible, warn the doctor.

A complete blood count is almost never the only one, it is prescribed as a hint – in which direction to think, and what pathologies to exclude.