Elevated WBC and RDW Levels: Should I Be Concerned?
At 38 years old, I am a female with a history of asthma and obesity, though I don’t experience complications typically linked to being overweight aside from my asthma symptoms. Just last week, I underwent bariatric surgery and am currently recovering, feeling an improvement in my breathing already. Over the past year, I've had numerous blood tests done due to several factors, including preparations for my surgery, treatment adjustments with a new pulmonologist for my asthma, and a severe case of influenza A that required hospitalization. Whenever I receive my blood test results, my primary care physician often informs me that my white blood cell (WBC) count is elevated, yet most other test results fall within normal ranges or are only slightly off the norm, which she tends not to emphasize. Her tone is usually casual; more often than not, she brushes it off with remarks like, "You might just be recovering from a cold." On the other hand, my bariatric specialist shares a similar perspective regarding these test outcomes – they notify me about the elevated levels but don’t seem overly concerned. However, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of medical professionals involved in my care, leading me to wonder if anyone is considering my health in a holistic manner. While I’m not particularly anxious about serious conditions like cancer, given that most results are normal, I find myself questioning whether I should take any action regarding these elevated levels. My recent test indicated a WBC of 11.5 and a red cell distribution width (RDW) of 19.2%. I’m curious if this is typical for someone of my age or if it warrants further exploration. I’m open to feedback and may share my charts for those interested in delving deeper into the discussion.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 6:20:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts and red cell distribution width (RDW) can indicate various health conditions, but they are often not concerning when other tests are normal, particularly in the context of recovery from recent illness and surgery. Here’s a breakdown of what this means and what actions you can take:
Explanation
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Elevated WBC Count: A WBC count of 11.5 is slightly elevated. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation, stress, or even after surgery as your body responds to healing. It’s essential to recognize that your body went through significant stress recently due to the influenza A and bariatric surgery, which can naturally raise your WBC levels.
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Elevated RDW: An RDW of 19.2% is also elevated. RDW measures the variation in red blood cell size. Elevations can be associated with several conditions, including anemia or nutritional deficiencies; however, it can also be influenced by your recent health events.
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Context Matters: Both your elevated WBC and RDW levels need to be evaluated in the context of your recent health history. If you are otherwise feeling better and most of your other tests are normal, these findings are likely not a reason for alarm.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on how you feel in the coming weeks. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms—like fever, unusual fatigue, or persistent cough—make note of these.
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Follow-Up Testing: Discuss with your primary care physician or bariatric specialist about scheduling a follow-up blood test in a month or so to reassess your WBC and RDW levels, especially as you continue recovering from surgery. This will help identify whether the values are stabilizing or if further investigation is needed.
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Focus on Recovery: Prioritize your recovery from surgery and overall health:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet as guided by your bariatric team.
- Incorporate light physical activity as your recovery allows.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or gentle exercise, as stress can compound health issues.
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Be Proactive with Communication: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consolidating your medical inquiries to one or two trusted healthcare providers who can take a broader view of your health to reduce the feeling of fragmentation in your care.
Conclusion
Your elevated WBC and RDW levels should be monitored, but they are likely a response to your recent health changes. Stay informed, monitor your health, and communicate openly with your healthcare providers about any concerns. You’re on the right path to recovery, and with time, these levels may normalize.
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