Blood Count Disorders
Human blood is made up of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. In a healthy person, each of these cells exists within the body in a perfect balance. The cells are measured in a lab test called a complete blood count, or CBC. Blood is drawn by a qualified technician and sent to a lab for analysis. A high or low count of any of the cell types can indicated disease and infection. Disorders of the blood are more often a symptom of a disease than they are a cause.
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Low White Blood Cell Counts
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WBCs are the body's defense force against disease and infection. There are five main types of WBCs: neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Abnormally low counts of neutrophils are called neutropenia. This condition can greatly increase the risk of a life-threatening fungal or bacterial infection. Lymphocytopenia, or low lymphocytes, can also decrease the body's ability to fight infection, although it is generally less symptomatic. A low WBC count can be caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, in which the body attacks its own immune system. It can also be caused by HIV, an overactive thyroid, parasites or vitamin deficiencies.
High White Blood Cell Counts
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Elevated WBC counts generally indicate infection. Lymphocytic leukocytosis, a high lymphocyte count, can be caused by tuberculosis, lymphoma and bacterial infections. Symptoms depend on the cause. Neutrophilic leukocytosis, a high neutrophil count, can occur as a result of injury, with use of steroids and in response to all types of infection.
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Low Red Blood Cell Counts
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RBCs contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen throughout the body. Low RBC count is called anemia. Anemia can be temporary or permanent and can be caused by many factors including a diet deficient in iron, heredity, bone marrow disease and chronic diseases. Some common symptoms of anemia are fatigue, pale skin, headaches, difficulty breathing and chest pain.
High Red Blood Cell Counts
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Polycythemia, or elevated RBCs, is usually asymptomatic but can cause weakness, bruising, joint pain, abdominal pain and itchiness. Excess RBCs can be produced to overcompensate for decreased oxygen levels due to breathing and heart disorders. Polycythemia can also be caused by smoking, carbon dioxide exposure, dehydration and kidney cancer.
Platelet Counts
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Platelets are not actually blood cells but fragments of bone marrow cells. They are smaller than RBCs and WBCs and help the blood to clot. A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Symptoms include excessive bruising, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from injuries, blood in the urine or stools and unusually heavy menstrual periods. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases, blood-thinning medications and severe bacterial infections. A mild form may also occur during pregnancy.
High platelet count is called thrombocytosis, It usually has no symptoms, and the greatest danger it poses is the potential for blood clots. Blood clots can travel throughout the body and enter the lungs or brain, possibly causing death. This condition can be treated with blood thinners.
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