|  | Conditions Treatments | Blood Disorders

Reasons for an Increased WBC Level

Some people faint at the sight of blood, but it plays a vital role in maintaining life. It travels through veins and arteries, supplying cells with nutrients and taking away waste products. Blood comprises several components: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets and plasma. The adult human body contains approximately 4 quarts of blood. Each part of the blood is important in maintaining homeostasis. An elevated WBC level can have several potential meanings.

  1. Blood Cells

    • RBCs and WBCs work together

      Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body. They also transport waste products such as carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs. While the RBCs are doing their job, the WBCs, also known as leukocytes, are prepared to fight infections. The main function of the white blood cells is to assist in the immune response and fight infections.

    White Blood Cells

    • Lymphocytes an important WBC

      Different types of WBCs --- such as neutrophils, eosinophils , basophil, lymphocytes and monocytes --- work together to protect the body. Although the cells function differently, they play a vital part in the immune response. They recognize, attack and destroy foreign particles from allergens to germs Some WBCs digest foreign materials, and others produce a chemical. The inflammatory response seen as a result of allergies results from the work of WBCs.

    Leukocytosis

    • A CBC evaluates WBC count.

      Complete blood count (CBC) is a measure of the components of the blood, providing the physician information regarding a patient's health status. Part of a CBC measures the WBCs in the blood. "Leukocytosis" refers to a high number of WBCs --- a condition that not only considers the overall WBC count but to a high level of a certain type of WBCs as well. One example, mononucleosis, includes a high level of monocytes.

    Disorders

    • Infections can increase WBC levels.

      Stress, both mental and physical, can cause an elevated WBC count. Both chronic and acute infections cause elevated WBC levels in the body, as do rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever and trauma, such as burns. The elevated WBC level results from the tissue damage caused by these afflictions. Allergies, which activate the immune response, cause an increase in WBCs. Other conditions that cause high WBC levels include certain leukemias and other cancers, as well as autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. When reviewing the WBC count, the clinician evaluates overall WBC count as well as the type of cells with an increased level.

Blood Disorders - Related Articles