Title: What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count?
Headings: What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count?
What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count?
What Are White Blood Cells?
What Is the Function of White Blood Cells?
What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count?
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What Are White Blood Cells? White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. Infection can cause spikes, as well as blood cancers and other conditions. White blood cells (leukocytes) make up about 1% of our blood and they help protect the body against illness and disease. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and stored in the blood and lymph tissues. What Is the Function of White Blood Cells? There are several different types of white blood cells that each have slightly different functions. Neutrophils
These white blood cells are the body’s first line of defense when infection occurs
They kill and digest bacteria and fungi and turn into pus when they die
These are the most numerous type of white blood cell, comprising about 60 to 70% of the total number of white blood cells
Lymphocytes
These white blood cells create antibodies to fight against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful germs
There are many different types of lymphocytes
They make up about 30% of the total number of white blood cells
Monocytes
These white blood cells have a longer lifespan than other white blood cells and help to break down bacteria
They make up about 8% of the total number of white blood cells
Eosinophils
These white blood cells attack and kill parasites and cancer cells
They also help with allergic responses
They make up about 1 to 3% of the total number of white blood cells
Basophils
These white blood cells release histamine during an allergic reaction which promotes blood flow to the body’s tissues
They play a role in fighting infection
They make up about 0.5% of the total number of white blood cells
What Is a Dangerous White Blood Cell Count? A normal white blood cell count is generally about 4,500 to 11,000/μL.
White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000/μL. This occurs when the immune system is stimulated in some way.