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?
SLIDESHOW
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
From
Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
References

Content: 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. Causes of high white blood cell counts include: Infections, such as bacterial infections
Leukemia and lymphoma, which are types of cancers
Trauma
Extensive wounds or burns
Acute or chronic inflammation such as from autoimmune disease, allergies, and other inflammatory problems
Cigarette smoking
Use of certain drugs, including corticosteroids heparin, lithium, albuterol, and similar drugs
A low white blood cell count is called leucopenia, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels are below 4,500/μL.
Causes of low white blood cell counts include: Tumors or disease in the bone marrow
Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy for cancer, some antibiotics and diuretics, anti- thyroid hormone drugs, captopril, seizure medications, and others
Liver and spleen problems
Radiation therapy to treat cancer
Leukemia and other cancers
Physical or emotional stress
SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See Slideshow
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Discover Immunotherapy
Could I have CAD? Treat Bent Fingers
Treat HR+, HER2- MBC
Tired of Dandruff? Life with Cancer
From
Cancer Resources
Early-Stage HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Common Health Conditions Among Minorities
Metastatic NSCLC: