High White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Levels
Greetings, I am a 31-year-old female, Recently, I had some blood tests conducted to check my lithium levels since I resumed my bipolar 1 treatment after a break during pregnancy. The results indicate elevated levels of white blood cells (WBC), eosinophils (EOS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and a concerning BUN/creatinine ratio. At present, the only medication I am taking is lithium. What steps should I take next? Should I consult my primary care physician or my obstetrician? It has been ten months since I gave birth, and I have experienced significant hair shedding over the past few months, which I attributed to postpartum changes. I had blood tests around the three-month mark postpartum, and everything appeared normal then. I should mention that during my pregnancy, I experienced a prolapse involving my bladder and uterus. Although I had discomfort during pregnancy, I haven’t faced any significant issues since my delivery. I did a quick online search, and I stumbled upon cancer as a potential cause for these symptoms, but I decided against pursuing that line of thought further. As a mother of two, I am understandably hoping this situation is something that can be easily managed and not something severe. I appreciate your insights!
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 4:10:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your recent lab results, especially as a mother and after experiencing significant changes postpartum. Elevated white blood cell counts and eosinophils can indicate various issues, but they are often not indicative of severe conditions by themselves.
Explanation:
White blood cells (WBC) help your body fight infections, and elevated levels may suggest an immune response to conditions like allergies, infections, or inflammation. Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, usually increase in response to allergies or parasitic infections, but they can also be affected by certain medications and other factors. Your elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the BUN/creatinine ratio may suggest issues with kidney function, hydration status, or even protein intake.
Given your medication history with lithium, it is essential to monitor these levels, as lithium can impact kidney function and electrolyte balance. Additionally, postpartum changes like hair shedding can happen due to hormonal shifts, but it's prudent to also rule out other underlying conditions.
Next Steps:
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Consult Your Primary Care Physician: Since your lab results indicate several abnormalities, reaching out to your primary care physician is crucial. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the blood results, consider possible causes, and guide you in managing these findings relative to your lithium therapy.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Note any additional symptoms you may experience over the next week, including fatigue, fever, new swelling, or changes in urination. This information will be helpful for your doctor.
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Stay Hydrated: Until your doctor provides specific guidance, ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to support kidney function and overall health.
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Monitor Medication: Keep track of any side effects from lithium or consider if you've had any recent changes in dose, dietary habits, or also if you are experiencing any symptoms that might relate to your postpartum recovery.
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Consider Obstetric Follow-Up: If your primary care physician determines that the elevated eosinophils or WBC are related to recent changes in your health, they may recommend seeing your obstetrician or a specialist for further evaluation, especially given your postpartum status.
It’s great that you are proactive about your health. With guided support from your healthcare providers, the situation can likely be appropriately managed. Reach out to them soon for the best next steps!
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