T-maggers,
I just received my blood test results from the lab, and they found that my white blood cell count was below normal levels. I’ve only been sick only once in the past 13 years, so I don’t have much reason to believe that my immune system is not functioning adequately. But I’m still concerned with the results. My knowledge of the blood is very minimal, but aren’t WBC related to recovery from exercise? Does anyone know if having a low WBC count can effect other physical factors? And lastly, does anyone know of a natural way to boost the WBC count in the body? Thanks for you help.
Brownbear
bump
Brownbear, this is a tough one. I have to include a disclaimer with my attempt to pass on some information: I don’t have any personal experience with this, and you’ve got to see a doctor.
According to NIH general information, low numbers of WBCs may indicate bone marrow failure; poisoning from arsenic or chemotherapy drugs; collagen-vascular diseases such as lupus; disease of the liver or spleen; or radiation.
Low WBC are seen in people with impaired immune systems, such as the elderly and cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiation.
“Drugs that may decrease WBC counts include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antihistamine, antithyroid drugs, arsenicals, barbiturates, chemotherapeutic agents, diuretics, and sulfonamides.”
Since you haven’t been sick, I assume antibiotics are not a possibility here, but are you taking any of the other drugs? Such as for seizures or allergies?
Obviously, the other listed causes are quite grim. You need a good doctor to diagnose this carefully. If your levels are only marginally low, and the typical causes of low WBC are not likely or are eliminated, perhaps your count is not a cause for concern. But you need a good doctor to evaluate this.
BrownBear, I had my blood drawn recently and my white count was low. According to a hematologist I talked to, there’s no reason to sweat it unless you have it rechecked and it’s consistently low. Then you may want to have it investigated further.
Lab error is always a possibility, but a viral infection is a common cause of a low WBC count.
I would get it rechecked to exclude lab error. Normal white blood cells is 5000-10000. Was yours 4900 or are we talking less then 1000?
T-maggers,
Thanks guys. My count was just under 3000, so lab error could definately be a possiblilty. I’m planning on getting my WBC checked in another month or so to see if the count is in the same range. Thanks again.
Brownbear