At 39, what causes high WBC count and symptoms?

Question

Hi doctor,

I just received my blood test. WBC is 22000, neutrophils are 8700, high absolute immature granulocytes, and low lymphocytes. I have noticed that for three years, my blood tests have been at high levels for WBC. Please tell me:

Should I be concerned?
I have been in and out, and they never call me for a follow-up. Maybe I should change the doctor?
Also, can Phentermine be the cause of this?

I only took it for two days before the blood test.

I am a 39-year-old female. I have bone pain, neck pain, dizziness, and hair loss.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Following is my opinion on your question.

Your total WBC count and neutrophils are high. A mild increase of immature granulocytes and a high count with neutrophilia could be due to infection or inflammation in the body. Your detailed physical examination and investigation should be done to find the underlying cause.

For your complaint, you can investigate further with ANA (antinuclear antibody) estimation, USG (ultrasound) abdomen, Vitamin D estimation, serum calcium estimation, blood pressure measurement, and blood sugar estimation. Your ear examination should also be done.

Antibiotic courses can be prescribed as per the provided report. However, before that, a physical examination and the above investigation can be done. You need to follow up your CBC (complete blood count) with a peripheral smear examination report after a few days to check values once again.

You can consult a good internal medicine specialist for your examination and investigation accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Following is my answer to your question.

It is good that you have investigated further with the ANA test. I could not see your ANA report, but presuming that mostly it will also be positive because your RNP (ribonuclear protein) antibody test is positive. The anti-RNP antibody positivity was seen in mixed connective tissue disease, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), or scleroderma-like autoimmune diseases.

Hence, your diagnosis is autoimmune disease, mostly mixed connective tissue disease. It is the cause of your elevated neutrophils, in my opinion. You should consult a rheumatologist or a good physician nearby for a detailed physical examination and treatment accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.