Dr said to see a Hematologist. Anybody have any suggestions on why my WBC is so high? Any possible causes? I am a 31 year old female with 1 child. Besides asthma, I am healthy and always have been. Thanks!
2006-09-11 04:19:08 · 4 answers · asked by bradnmich2003 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I had my daughter 4 years ago and the last case of any infection or asthma was 6 months ago. I have had 3 CBC's in the past 2 months and they have repeatedly gone up which is why my Family Dr referred me to a Hematologist. And no, it is not a friend of his...I am able to choose my providers and specialists whenever I want..I have BCBS PPO Insurance. Thanks!
2006-09-11 04:37:44 · update #1
That is certaily higher than normal, and I suspect if you have been referred to a hematologist, it has been repeatedly high, and you have been thoroughly evaluated for occult infection.
Of the greatest concern would be a hematologic malignancy like leukemia. If that turns out to be the case, the count is very low, as those counts can go up into the thousands. The definitive diagnosis will involve microscopic examination of the blood smear to see what the predominant cell type was (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) and what developmental stage most were at. Only if they see something of concern would they elect to advance to a bone marrow test.
It also may represent what is referred to as a "leukemoid" reaction (leukemia-like) which is a benign elevation of WBC count, enough to cause concern and watchful waiting. You don't say how long ago you delivered the child, or had an acute asthma exacerbation, which may have some bearing on the interpretation of this finding.
I understand your concern, but if this were me, I would feel at least moderately confident that the odds were on my side of this being something benign. Best wishes.
2006-09-11 04:28:34 · answer #1 · answered by finaldx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elevated WBC counts can be caused by infections, allergies, or inflamation (possibly internal). 14.1 is high but not incredibly high. I'm wondering why he would refer you to a hematologist??? You must have good health insurance. Maybe he wants to drum up some business for his friend?
I don't know what other tests you've taken, or symptoms you have, but if the only thing that's out of place is this WBC count, you might be better off looking for another doctor. Most people who are asymptomatic with a count in your range, are given a prescription for an antibiotic (maybe) and told to come back in a couple of weeks to be tested again.
2006-09-11 11:29:41 · answer #2 · answered by IAINTELLEN 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are .1 higher than the safe point. That's all. Your doctor is overly cautious.
2006-09-11 12:32:27 · answer #3 · answered by murph_ltt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats why you need to see a haematologist,you may just have an infection somewhere
2006-09-11 11:28:43 · answer #4 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋