zaro

What if WBC is 35000?

Published in White Blood Cells 2 mins read

A WBC (White Blood Cell) count of 35,000 is elevated and could indicate various conditions, with the specific interpretation depending on other factors like differential counts and patient symptoms.

Elevated WBC Count: Possible Implications

An elevated WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, signifies that the body is producing more white blood cells than normal. This often occurs in response to:

  • Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic)
  • Inflammation
  • Allergic reaction
  • Certain medications
  • Some cancers
  • Stress

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Consideration

The reference notes that a WBC count of 35,000 with 85% lymphocytes "strongly suggests pertussis." However, it also emphasizes that not every child with pertussis presents this exact hematologic picture.

Importance of Differential Count

A differential count breaks down the different types of white blood cells present (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils). This information is critical for determining the underlying cause of the elevated WBC count.

  • High Neutrophils: Often indicates a bacterial infection.
  • High Lymphocytes: Can indicate a viral infection or, as mentioned above, pertussis.
  • High Eosinophils: Often indicates an allergic reaction or parasitic infection.

Acute Processes and Immature WBCs

The presence of a high number or large proportions of immature forms of WBCs suggests an acute process, such as a bacterial infection, according to the reference. This finding warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Example Scenario

Let's consider a child with a WBC of 35,000. Further investigation reveals:

  • WBC Count: 35,000
  • Differential Count: 85% Lymphocytes
  • Symptoms: Severe coughing fits, whooping sound after coughing.

In this scenario, pertussis would be a strong consideration.