Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, I Am Originally From Yemen And Now Living In
Question: Hi,
I am originally from Yemen and now living in uk ,recently I have carried out a blood test the result for total white blood count 3.1 10*9/L below low reference limit , Neutrophil count 1.1 10*9/L below low reference limit and Monocyte count 0.1 10*9/L below low reference limit, I have discussed this result with my GP she said this is normal it's may belong to genetic but I have concern that this is not normal because it's below low reference limit, moreover 3 years ago the result for white blood count was 3.29.
I would like to know if this is a normal result or below the limit ,if so, do I need to make advanced blood test for the white blood test, what precautions do I need to take , B.S. I am a female 33 years old in good health , my height 156 cm and weight 43 kg married and have one daughter (one year old).
I am originally from Yemen and now living in uk ,recently I have carried out a blood test the result for total white blood count 3.1 10*9/L below low reference limit , Neutrophil count 1.1 10*9/L below low reference limit and Monocyte count 0.1 10*9/L below low reference limit, I have discussed this result with my GP she said this is normal it's may belong to genetic but I have concern that this is not normal because it's below low reference limit, moreover 3 years ago the result for white blood count was 3.29.
I would like to know if this is a normal result or below the limit ,if so, do I need to make advanced blood test for the white blood test, what precautions do I need to take , B.S. I am a female 33 years old in good health , my height 156 cm and weight 43 kg married and have one daughter (one year old).
Brief Answer:
Very likely the low WBC is due to benign leukopenia (found in certain populations, Yemen included)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Because you are a healthy woman, which means you do not suffer from frequent infections, very likely the WBC count is due to what we call "Benign familial leukopenia and neutropenia". This is a genetic condition in certain populations, Yemen included, where the WBC and neutrophils are lower than the normal range of WBC in Europe.
In these populations, the WBC normally is lower than in people from Europe but they are healthy.
If the WBC is low due to a certain disease or dangerous condition, the patient would suffer from frequent and difficult to treat infections. Also, because your WBC now is almost similar to the WBC 3 years ago, this also shows that it is a normal range for you and there is nothing to worry about.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Very likely the low WBC is due to benign leukopenia (found in certain populations, Yemen included)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Because you are a healthy woman, which means you do not suffer from frequent infections, very likely the WBC count is due to what we call "Benign familial leukopenia and neutropenia". This is a genetic condition in certain populations, Yemen included, where the WBC and neutrophils are lower than the normal range of WBC in Europe.
In these populations, the WBC normally is lower than in people from Europe but they are healthy.
If the WBC is low due to a certain disease or dangerous condition, the patient would suffer from frequent and difficult to treat infections. Also, because your WBC now is almost similar to the WBC 3 years ago, this also shows that it is a normal range for you and there is nothing to worry about.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you very much for fast answer,
Can I know please which vitamins, minerals or foods I take to increase white blood cells.
Can I know please which vitamins, minerals or foods I take to increase white blood cells.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
It is a pleasure to assist you.
Generally, having a healthy and balanced diet is all that is needed for health in general and the immune system as well. This means fruit and vegetables every day, proteins through meat, eggs, milk, etc. Karbs in bread and pasta to a certain degree and avoid table sugar.
Vitamin C is thought to boost the immune system and wbc. This is found in citruses (lemon, orange, lime) but also in many other fruit and green vegetables.
Your wbc is considered normal in your case, due to your background so there is no need to worry about the numbers. In cases that it is worrisome there are medications to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more wbc. These are mostly used in cases when cancer treatments have suppressed the bone marrow and are absolutely not needed in your case.
To conclude:
- try to eat healthy balanced diet for health in general
- the wbc in your case is considered normal, so no specific food or vitamin will change it
- vitamin C is considered to positively affect the immune system so making sure you consume oranges may be advisable, I would not recommend to add vitamin C supplements daily
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
It is a pleasure to assist you.
Generally, having a healthy and balanced diet is all that is needed for health in general and the immune system as well. This means fruit and vegetables every day, proteins through meat, eggs, milk, etc. Karbs in bread and pasta to a certain degree and avoid table sugar.
Vitamin C is thought to boost the immune system and wbc. This is found in citruses (lemon, orange, lime) but also in many other fruit and green vegetables.
Your wbc is considered normal in your case, due to your background so there is no need to worry about the numbers. In cases that it is worrisome there are medications to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more wbc. These are mostly used in cases when cancer treatments have suppressed the bone marrow and are absolutely not needed in your case.
To conclude:
- try to eat healthy balanced diet for health in general
- the wbc in your case is considered normal, so no specific food or vitamin will change it
- vitamin C is considered to positively affect the immune system so making sure you consume oranges may be advisable, I would not recommend to add vitamin C supplements daily
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
