Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Low WBC Level. Had Sinus Infection. Is It The Reason?
Question: Doctor says my CBC is normal, but my WBC was 3.8, all the absolutes were normal though. I had the start of a nasty sinus infection the day my blood was drawn, could that have been the reason? Otherwise pretty healthy
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query. I have noted your details.
Normal WBC counts fall between 4.5 to 11 thousand cells per cubic millimeter. Lower than this value are referred to a leucopenia.
Multiple conditions are known to cause leucopenia. And one among them is 'Acute Viral Infection.'
You have reported that "you sufferred from a nasty sinus infection when the tests were done" - probably the counts may have reduced due to this infection.
Nevertheless there is no reason to concern. The counts improve upon recovery. I expect the same with you too.
Now, I hope you have recovered from the sinus infection, if it is persisting, then repeat blood counts with platelet counts is warranted.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any additional query that you like me to discuss, you may write back to us on this portal.
I will be pleased to answer your follow up queries as well. Take care.
Regards
Dr. Prasad
Thanks for your query. I have noted your details.
Normal WBC counts fall between 4.5 to 11 thousand cells per cubic millimeter. Lower than this value are referred to a leucopenia.
Multiple conditions are known to cause leucopenia. And one among them is 'Acute Viral Infection.'
You have reported that "you sufferred from a nasty sinus infection when the tests were done" - probably the counts may have reduced due to this infection.
Nevertheless there is no reason to concern. The counts improve upon recovery. I expect the same with you too.
Now, I hope you have recovered from the sinus infection, if it is persisting, then repeat blood counts with platelet counts is warranted.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any additional query that you like me to discuss, you may write back to us on this portal.
I will be pleased to answer your follow up queries as well. Take care.
Regards
Dr. Prasad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, I did recover within a couple days. My doctor said rarely does anyone fall in the normal range on all the different tests within the CBC with differential. He said it is fairly Common to have some numbers that are slightly out of range in even healthy people. Do you agree?
Hi,
It is nice to know that you have recovered from the sinus infection.
Now to answer your query; Yes I agree with your doctor. It's normal to find some fluctuations in the differential count values. These fluctuations are attributed to the day to day changes happening in the body. It is considered insignificant, if the total WBC Count is under normal limits.
The following fluctuations in the differential count can be considered significant:
1. A high neutrophil count with presence of abnormal neutrophils - size, shape and abnormally segmented nucleus.
2. A high or low neutrophil count
3. A high lymphocyte count
4. A high eosinophil count
The examining doctor correlates the abnormalities with the clinical symptoms. And if they needed other tests follows that help in establishing the diagnosis.
Hope this is clear to you.
If there are more queries, I will be available to answer those queries as well.
Regards
Dr. Prasad
Disclaimer: The information on this email and portal is provided for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider as a complete assessment of an individual has not taken place. Nothing on this email and website should be used for treating or diagnosing a medical or health condition. This is not a replacement for Doctor - patient relationship and physical examination by other qualified healthcare provider.
It is nice to know that you have recovered from the sinus infection.
Now to answer your query; Yes I agree with your doctor. It's normal to find some fluctuations in the differential count values. These fluctuations are attributed to the day to day changes happening in the body. It is considered insignificant, if the total WBC Count is under normal limits.
The following fluctuations in the differential count can be considered significant:
1. A high neutrophil count with presence of abnormal neutrophils - size, shape and abnormally segmented nucleus.
2. A high or low neutrophil count
3. A high lymphocyte count
4. A high eosinophil count
The examining doctor correlates the abnormalities with the clinical symptoms. And if they needed other tests follows that help in establishing the diagnosis.
Hope this is clear to you.
If there are more queries, I will be available to answer those queries as well.
Regards
Dr. Prasad
Disclaimer: The information on this email and portal is provided for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider as a complete assessment of an individual has not taken place. Nothing on this email and website should be used for treating or diagnosing a medical or health condition. This is not a replacement for Doctor - patient relationship and physical examination by other qualified healthcare provider.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
