Does WBC Go Up with Pancreatitis?
White Blood Cell (WBC) count is one of the most important tests used to diagnose and monitor pancreatitis. WBC count is an indicator of inflammation and can help to determine the severity of the condition. In general, WBC count will go up with pancreatitis, though it can vary depending on the individual and the type of pancreatitis.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by alcohol, drugs, gallstones, or other causes. In acute pancreatitis, WBC count typically increases significantly. This increase is usually accompanied by an elevation of the neutrophil count, which is a type of white blood cell that is indicative of an inflammatory response. The WBC count can also be used to help determine the severity of the pancreatitis, with higher counts indicating a more severe case.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the pancreas. In chronic pancreatitis, WBC count may be slightly elevated but usually not to the same extent as with acute pancreatitis. The WBC count can still be used to help monitor the condition and can indicate if the inflammation is worsening or improving.
Conclusion
In summary, WBC count can be used to help diagnose and monitor pancreatitis. In acute pancreatitis, WBC count typically increases significantly, while in chronic pancreatitis it is usually only slightly elevated. The WBC count can help to determine the severity of the pancreatitis and can be used to monitor the condition over time.