"Can blood tests for rhinitis show elevated white blood cell counts?"
Blood Test Findings for Rhinitis Patients
Generally, rhinitis patients do not experience an elevation in white blood cell (WBC) count during a blood test. However, when rhinitis is accompanied by bacterial infection, an increase in WBCs may occur. Rhinitis primarily arises from the infection of nasal mucosa by bacterial, viral, or other pathogenic microorganisms, manifesting as symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing.
1. Simple Cold: If a patient develops a cold due to viral infection, a blood test may show normal or slightly elevated WBC levels, often with an increased proportion of lymphocytes. However, during a cold, the body's immunity decreases, making it susceptible to bacterial infections, which can lead to a rise in WBCs, particularly neutrophils.
2. Chronic Rhinitis with Acute Infection: If a rhinitis patient fails to receive timely treatment or has low immunity, secondary bacterial infections may occur, resulting in an elevation of WBCs, specifically neutrophils. Furthermore, blood tests can reveal that neutrophils play a role in phagocytosing pathogens.
3. Allergic Rhinitis: Upon exposure to allergens, patients with allergic rhinitis stimulate their immune system, triggering an allergic reaction, which may also cause an increase in WBCs. If a blood test reveals elevated WBCs with normal or mildly elevated neutrophils, it is often indicative of allergic rhinitis combined with chronic infection.
4. Other Scenarios: When rhinitis patients experience bacterial infections, blood tests may show an increase in WBCs, particularly neutrophils. It is recommended that rhinitis patients promptly consult a doctor to determine the type of rhinitis and receive appropriate treatment. For rhinitis caused by simple colds, anti-cold medications such as Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsules can be prescribed. In cases of bacterial infections, in addition to the above treatments, antibiotics like Amoxicillin Capsules or Cefixime Tablets should be administered.
