I had a recent blood test and my Doctor tells me I have a high white cell count. I have read that this can be caused by having COPD which I have been diagnosed with several years ago also Asthma medication can cause it. I have to see a specialist next month. I was wondering is this a common thing or should I be worried ? Thank you
White Blood Cell Count : I had a recent... - Lung Conditions C...
White Blood Cell Count
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HI I HAVE HAD A HIGH WHITE CELL COUNT FOR ABOUT 16 YEARS NOW , IT VARIES BETWEEN 14 AND 24 AND ITS NEVER BOTHERED ME TAKE CARE
DOROTHY
Hello, my oncologist has discussed with me in the past white and red blood cells. white blood cells play an important part in fighting off viruses and bacteria. A high white blood count can indicate infection. Try not to worry too much. If it is an infection is could be something quite trivial. Try also not to seach the web. Lots of information is way out of date and could scare you silly. I once googled lung cancer and was traumatised for days. The specialist you are seeing will give you all the information. In the meantime any questions you may want to ask them, write down and take with you. When ever I get infront of any medical expert my mind goes to mush and I forget all I wanted to ask. Take care x
I would say a high white blood cell count (includes T cells) would indicate signs of infection. T cells are usually active when there is infection present. T cells fight infection.
I'm not a medical professional but part of my training included this area of study.
Many years ago, by chance, my white blood cell count was found to be exceptionally high. For several years I attended the haematology clinic at my local hospital. I was told that it looked as if my body was trying to fight an infection when none existed. I stopped smoking and my blood cell count returned to normal but soon after this I was diagnosed with COPD and I wonder if this (undiagnosed) problem was the cause of the abnormally high count.
This was about 14 years ago and the problem has not happened again to my knowledge. It might be your COPD causing the high reading or some glitch in your metabolism which will right itself. Hope it's no more than that.
Thanks everyone for your replies. You have all reassured me about the condition and made me feel a lot better
So thanks again
Best Wishes
John