[27F] Experiencing fatigue with elevated WBC count

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female presents with persistent fatigue. She reports smoking a pack of cigarettes daily and denies any recent infections, unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, or significant stressors. There is no family history of autoimmune diseases or blood disorders. The patient is currently taking Bisoprolol (2.5 mg daily), Lisinopril (10 mg daily), Tylenol (500 mg daily), Ibuprofen (800 mg daily), and has a Nexplanon implant. Her white blood cell count is elevated at 17.9, but she has not experienced any symptoms typically associated with infection or inflammation. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications are reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

A high white blood cell (WBC) count, like the 17.9 you mentioned, can indicate several things, even in the absence of symptoms:

  • Infection: Often, a high WBC count suggests your body is fighting an infection, even if you don't feel sick. Sometimes, infections can be present without obvious symptoms.
  • Stress or Smoking: Chronic stress and smoking can elevate WBC counts. Since you mentioned smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, this could be a contributing factor.
  • Inflammation: Conditions causing inflammation in the body, such as arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, can also lead to a higher WBC count.
  • Medication Effects: Some medications can cause an increase in WBC count. However, based on the medications you listed, this is less likely.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Less commonly, a high WBC count can be associated with bone marrow disorders or other underlying health issues.

It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your elevated WBC count. They may recommend further testing or monitoring to better understand your situation.

What you can do

While waiting for a formal evaluation from your healthcare provider, you can take some steps to support your health:

  1. Monitor Your Health: Keep an eye on any new symptoms that may develop, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue.
  2. Healthy Lifestyle: Consider reducing or quitting smoking, as it can impact your overall health and potentially your WBC count. Seek support if needed.
  3. Manage Stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
  4. Use MDandMe: Track your symptoms, lifestyle changes, and any new developments using the MDandMe app. This can help provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Be vigilant for any new or worsening symptoms, and seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening fatigue
  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Any other concerning symptoms

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management of your condition.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

18 d ago


People Also Ask


Can smoking affect my white blood cell count?

Yes, smoking can lead to an elevated white blood cell count as it causes chronic inflammation and stress on the body, which can stimulate the production of white blood cells.


What are some common causes of elevated white blood cell counts?

Elevated white blood cell counts can be caused by infections, stress, smoking, inflammation, and less commonly, bone marrow disorders or other underlying health issues.


How can I manage persistent fatigue?

To manage persistent fatigue, consider lifestyle changes such as reducing smoking, managing stress through activities like exercise or meditation, and ensuring adequate rest and nutrition. It's also important to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.


Should I be concerned about taking multiple medications together?

Taking multiple medications can sometimes lead to interactions or side effects. It's important to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe to take together and to monitor for any adverse effects.

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories


Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback