The main function of white blood cells (leukocytes) is to fight various microorganisms that cause infection. However, in order to function properly, the white blood cell count must be normal. When the number of white blood cells is reduced, the immune system will weaken so that the body is susceptible to infection.
There are several types of white blood cells, including basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. One of the functions of white blood cells is to produce antibodies, which are substances that can eradicate viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and harmful substances that enter the body.
This makes white blood cells one of the most important parts of the human immune system.
White blood cell levels are usually checked as part of a complete blood count for medical check-up or the diagnosis of a particular disease, such as an infection. Normally, the level of white blood cells in an adult's body is between 4,500−10,000 cells/mm³.
When the body has a shortage of white blood cells
The minimum limit for the number of white blood cells in the adult body is around 4,000 cells/mm³. If the white blood cell count is below this number, a person is said to have a white blood cell deficiency or leukopenia. This condition can be caused by many things, including:
- Infections, such as blood infection or sepsis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, meningitis, and HIV/AIDS
- Congenital disorders, such as disease myelokathexis, Kostmann syndrome, and congenital neutropenia syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Blood or bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome and aplastic anemia
- Disorders or damage to the spleen
- Cancer, such as blood cancer or leukemia
- Side effects of certain medications, such as antibiotics, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy
- Lack of certain nutrients or nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folate
So that white blood cells can function properly and the number is always within the normal range, you can do the following tips:
- Applying a healthy diet
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before and after eating, taking out the trash, and touching dirty objects or pets
- Wear a mask when traveling or in a crowd
- Get enough rest, reduce stress, and exercise regularly
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Complete vaccination or immunization schedule
When the body has too high white blood cells
The condition of high white blood cell levels is known as leukocytosis. A person is said to have this condition when the number of white blood cells or leukocytes is more than 11,000 cells/mm³. However, the range of the maximum limit for the white blood cell count can be different in infants and children.
In general, high levels of white blood cells can be caused by several things, including:
- Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections
- Pregnancy
- Disorders of the bone marrow
- Reaction to vaccination or immunization
- Side effects of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta agonist asthma medications, anticonvulsants, and epinephrine
- Disorders of the bone marrow
- Reaction to vaccination or immunization
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Myeloproliferative diseases, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis
- History of surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy)
- Severe stress and certain mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders
Because it can be caused by many things, and some of them are dangerous, the condition of deficiency or excess of blood cells should not be taken lightly.
If you experience symptoms of impaired white blood cell function, such as fever that does not go away, chills, weakness, nausea, chronic diarrhea, or weight loss with a known cause, you should immediately consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.