What causes red blood cells to be smaller, and white cells to be larger?

Question

I know two ladies one had blood work and they said she needed more because her red blood cells were too small..In the course of this conversation another lady said well I just had blood work and my White blood cells are too large and what would cause that. They are clueless and lab work so far has provided no answer, they ask me to ask ya'll..So thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Small rbc's are called microcytic, micro meaning small and cytic meaning cell, large wbc's are called macrocytic macro meaning large and cytic meaning cell- just some info. Something that can cause small rbc's can be a type of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, when the body does not utilize iron correctly. Large wbc's can be caused by something such as leukemia and there are many types of leukemia. Since they weren't provided any answers, they should see other doctors until someone gives them an answer, because it could be something serious.

Answer 2

When the immune system becomes activate the white blood cells or lymphocytes become active and get larger than normal. This can be caused by any number of infectious agents that stimulate and immune responce. As for red blood cells there are several congenital disease that effect size and shape of the RBC

Answer 3

Lymphocytes- produce antibodies. they include T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells. Both B and T-cells destroy antigens, produce memory cells and antibodies Monocytes- These are phagocytes and combat microbes by phagocytosis i.e. they engulf and digest bacteria and other antigens. Basophils- Destroy bacteria with enzymes (lysozymes) and strong oxidants. An increase number of these cells may indicate an inflammatory condition somewhere in the body. Neutrophils- combat the effects of histamine in allergic reactions. Phagocytes like monocytes and engulf antigen-antibody complexes. Can also destroy some parasitic worms. These cells are the first to respond to a bacterial invasion of the body. Eosinophils- Liberate heparin, histamine and seratonin in allergic reactions, intensifying the inflammatory reponse. An increase in the number of these cells may indicate a parasitic infection. Don't know what level this needs answering at but hope this helps.