Human blood includes several types of cells. One of them is white blood cells. They perform important functions. Therefore, during a general blood test, their quantity is examined. There is a certain norm of white blood cells in the blood. This indicator may vary due to various reasons. If the white blood cells are more or less than normal, this indicates certain abnormalities. The reasons for this phenomenon will be considered in the article.
Cell function
We have all heard that blood is made up of plasma and certain cells. They perform various functions and are produced by bone marrow and lymph nodes. One of the essential components are white blood cells. What do these tiny cells mean for our body?
They are often credited with the name of white blood cells. However, this is not entirely true. When viewed under a microscope, these cells are purple in color with a pinkish tinge. The intensity of their color may be different. White blood cells react differently to dyes. According to this indicator, they are divided into eosinophils, neutrophils, as well as basophils.
The shape of these cells, as well as the structure of their nucleus, can vary significantly. White blood cells protect our body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. Each type of these cells has its own function. Some white blood cells find foreign microorganisms, while others recognize them according to the principle of "their own or someone else's." Third types of leukocytes train new cells and pass on to them the information received.
However, a special place in this hierarchy is occupied by white blood cells-killers. These are large, slow-moving cells. They receive orders from other cells to destroy the harmful microorganism. A white blood cell surrounds the enemy, absorbs it and dissolves it. This is how the body's immunity works.
Varieties
White blood cells in an adult and a child have not only a certain amount, but also a structure. Any changes in these indicators require determining the causes of this condition. As already mentioned, white blood cells are different.
Lymphocytes collect information about microorganisms, and also distinguish foreign cells from their own. They trigger an immune response. Their amount in the blood should be 20-45%. Most of all in our body neutrophils. These are killer cells. They arise quickly, eat small cells of foreign tissue, and then disintegrate. There should be 40-75% of such cells in the blood.
Another type of white blood cells are monocytes. They absorb large pieces of foreign tissue, microorganisms, as well as dead brothers. They clean the site of infection. After this, the tissues become ready for subsequent regeneration. There are 3-8% of them in the blood.
Eosinophils are also aimed at killing foreign cells. However, their competence includes the destruction of parasites, helminths and allergens. Their in the body is not more than 5%. When insect bites, basophils are involved. They destroy poisons. Their in the blood in normal condition is only up to 1%.
Norm for women and men
The number of white blood cells in women and men is different. This indicator also changes with age. It is measured in billion / liter. For men, the following standards exist:
- 14-22 years old - 3.5-8;
- 23-40 years old - 4-9;
- 41-60 years old - 3.5-9;
- 60-100 years - 3-7.
In women, this indicator is slightly different. During pregnancy, menstruation, the indicator may differ from the norm. This is perfectly acceptable and natural. Standards for women are as follows:
- 14-22 years old - 3.8-8;
- 23-40 years old - 4.4-10;
- 41-60 years old - 4-9;
- 60-100 years - 3-8.
This indicator is affected by hormonal levels. During pregnancy, the leukocyte norm in the blood increases to 12, and by the time of birth, this figure reaches 15. This is a protective reaction of the body that neutralizes the negative effects on the mother and child's body, which can be externally affected.
Norm for children
The level of white blood cells in children is significantly different from adult indicators. This is necessary to increase the body's resistance to various negative external factors. At different ages, the norm of white blood cells in the blood (also measured in billion / l) of children is as follows:
- 1-2 years - 6-17;
- 2-6 years - 4.9-12.3;
- 7-9 years old - 4.8-12;
- 9-12 years old - 4.5-10.
In newborns, this norm is even higher. They receive at birth a large supply of white blood cells. This allows you to develop a full-fledged immunity.
The norm of protective cells for newborns
In the first days after birth, the number of white blood cells in the baby’s blood is much higher than in adults. This is necessary to protect it from negative external factors. The environment of the baby has changed a lot. Now there is no maternal protection that protected him from most viruses, bacteria. By the first year of life, the number of cells that protect the baby's body is significantly reduced. The norms for this age are as follows:
- 1-2 days - 8.5-24.5;
- 3-7 days - 7.2-18.5;
- 7-30 days - 6.5-13.8;
- 1-6 months - 5.5-12.5;
- 6-12 months - 6-12.
In some cases, the number of these cells is increased. This condition is called leukocytosis.
What affects the analysis result?
In some cases, people have low or high white blood cells. What does it mean? The body is a system that constantly balances under the influence of various factors. Any deviations from the norm indicate the presence of some processes that require detailed diagnostics.
However, there are a number of cases where the result of the analysis is inaccurate. This is influenced by several factors. They must be remembered when going to the hospital for an analysis. Deviations from the norm can cause a hot bath or shower. Also, eating can affect the accuracy of the result. Do not eat before analysis.
Also, the presence of burns, cuts can affect the result. After vaccination, the analysis is also not carried out. Women do not have a blood test during menstruation. If the examination is carried out during pregnancy, other standards are chosen to determine the state of the body.
Above norm
What does elevated white blood cell count mean? This may be evidence of different conditions. Since white blood cells are “smart” cells, an increase in their number indicates the development of an infectious process, foreign microorganisms. For example, leukocytosis appears with a cold, flu. This is quite normal for this condition. Simply, with an increase in the level of these cells, the doctor must find a reason that provokes the production of white blood cells.
If these cells are produced in significant quantities in the body, then immunity fights viruses, microbes, allergens or parasites. However, there are other factors that contribute to an increase in white blood cells. These are the wrong lifestyle, lack of rest and stress.
The main reasons for increasing the number of cells
White blood cells increase in the presence of various diseases. However, there are a number of physiological conditions that affect this indicator. So, the level of leukocytes rises after eating (especially protein). This is a normal phenomenon that allows the body to fight with various bacteria and toxins that are found in food.
After playing sports, the level of these cells in the blood also increases. Another reason may be a reaction to the vaccine. In this case, the pathogen of a certain disease is introduced into the body in a small amount. Immunity begins to actively fight him.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, white blood cells also begin to increase. During menstruation, the body also produces more of these cells. This avoids infection. After burns and injuries, immunity is also activated.
In the postoperative period, white blood cells fight infection. Therefore, normally there should be more of them. If a neoplasm develops in the body (benign or malignant), white blood cells can also be increased.
With increased emotional, physical stress, immunity also works more actively.
What will the doctor advise?
An increase in the level of protective cells is accompanied by various reasons. White blood cells increase under the influence of various factors. The doctor will prescribe a second test after a while. At the same time, he will offer the patient to perform certain actions.
You need to go to bed at the same time, and also sleep at least 8 hours. Physical and emotional stress should be minimized. You need to walk in the fresh air, and strength exercises in the gym should be abandoned.
You need to eat at the same time. In this case, exclude spicy, fried, oily. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. After that, the analysis is submitted again. If the reason is the development of a certain pathology, it must be identified and cured.
If you do not treat leukocytosis
If the white blood cells in the blood are elevated, this is not the norm and requires some treatment. Their number needs to be reduced. Otherwise, it will cause serious damage to health. In children, this phenomenon leads to a gradual decrease in neutrophils or anemia. In this case, the child will not be able to develop harmoniously, will be weak and painful.
In adults, prolonged leukocytosis also leads to a number of negative consequences. Immunity will decline over time. The body spends too much effort on the production of these cells. Discomfort, constant fatigue and headaches appear. Chills and fever may appear. In rare cases, anemia develops, vision deteriorates, anorexia occurs.
The body becomes weakened. In parallel, various pathologies develop. This requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Only by establishing the cause of the appearance of leukocytosis, you can undergo a course of treatment.
White blood cells lowered
Decreased white blood cells in the blood cause serious concerns about the patient's condition. This is a serious ailment. It is called leukopenia. This condition occurs when the number of protective cells decreases to less than 3.5 billion / l. This indicates a lack of body resistance to various pathogens, infections and foreign microorganisms.
This condition is corrected with proper nutrition. The patient's diet requires review. You need to eat a large amount of dairy products, animal and vegetable fats, as well as vegetables and fruits. Especially useful in this case are citrus fruits.
It is good to eat honey and take other bee products inside. This can be royal jelly, pollen, pollen, etc. These substances include vitamins and minerals important for proper metabolism. They stimulate the immune system.
Reasons for reducing the number of protective cells
If the white blood cells in the blood are lowered, this may be the result of various pathologies. The main ones are damage to the bone marrow that these cells produce, its oncology. Also, a similar situation is observed in people who have received a significant dose of radiation. With radiation sickness, the white blood cell count decreases.
A number of infectious diseases affect the number of white blood cells in the blood. These include typhoid, measles, hepatitis, and flu. In oncology, patients are prescribed a number of specific drugs. Their side effect is a decrease in the number of white blood cells.
Another serious ailment that affects the production of white blood cells is AIDS. Therefore, conducting a regular examination and blood test reveals a number of serious pathologies. The sooner they are diagnosed, the easier and more effective the subsequent treatment will be.
The consequences of leukopenia
If white blood cells are lowered for a long time, this leads to a number of serious disorders. The body's defense drops. It becomes susceptible to various adverse effects. A person becomes susceptible to viruses, bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms.
To cope with leukopenia, patients are prescribed immunostimulating drugs. Treatment is supplemented with folk recipes. If you do not take timely action, the likelihood of developing cancer, dangerous ailments increases. Bone marrow hematopoiesis is impaired due to bone marrow damage. Deviations also relate to the phase of maturation of leukocytes.
Leukopenia is often asymptomatic. Therefore, it is extremely important to undergo a periodic examination. In some cases, a person feels fatigue, a general weakening of the immune system. He becomes susceptible to various diseases. Body temperature rises, headache appears. Urgently need to see a doctor to find out the reasons for this condition.
Having examined the features and functions of white blood cells in the blood, you can understand why it is so important to monitor their number. Human health and the protective functions of his body depend on them. Therefore, the level of leukocytes must be constantly monitored. When abnormalities occur, the cause of the occurrence of such conditions is established, complex treatment is carried out.