Managing High White Blood Cell Count and Asthma: Dietary Guidelines

What foods can be consumed with elevated white blood cell count and moderate asthma?

Hello, doctor.
My family member went to the hospital today for a check-up and found that their white blood cell count is over 20,000.
The doctor mentioned there are signs of inflammation.
Due to the recent drop in temperature, my family member has been experiencing nighttime coughing (once it starts, it doesn't stop).
They have moderate asthma, and sometimes they have difficulty breathing and need to take a break (last night, they used the home oxygen concentrator).
I have researched various dietary restrictions and permissible foods online, but I'm a bit lost.
Meals are either home-cooked or from outside, but sometimes after eating, my family member experiences stomach discomfort and bloating (averaging 3-4 times a week).
I found online that asthma patients should avoid seafood (but can drink fish soup?), fried foods, cabbage, broccoli, pickled foods, and cold foods, and we have been avoiding these, but why is there still bloating? I would like to inquire about the reasons.
Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/07

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

1.
Regarding the elevated white blood cell count, it is likely not just inflammation but an indication of infection.
Based on the symptoms, the most probable cause is a respiratory infection, and an X-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of pneumonia.
Antibiotics or hospitalization may be required for improvement.
2.
For asthma patients, there are two types of food that should be avoided: first, cold foods such as ice water; second, foods or medications that may cause allergies.
Aside from these, there are no strict dietary restrictions.
The food recommendations you found are suggestions from traditional Chinese medicine for nourishment and are not absolute contraindications for asthma, but adjustments should still be made based on individual nutritional needs.
3.
The discomfort and bloating in the abdomen are likely due to an infection affecting the digestive system.
It is recommended to start with softer or liquid foods that are easy to digest and to avoid dairy products and other foods that may cause bloating.
After the infection improves, the bloating should also resolve.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/12/07

More Info

Managing high white blood cell counts and asthma can be challenging, especially when dietary choices can significantly impact overall health. High white blood cell counts, or leukocytosis, often indicate an underlying inflammatory process or infection. In your case, it seems that your family member is experiencing both elevated white blood cell counts and asthma symptoms, which may be exacerbated by dietary choices.

Understanding High White Blood Cell Counts
A white blood cell count exceeding 20,000 can be a sign of various conditions, including infections, inflammation, or even stress responses. It’s crucial to identify the underlying cause, as this will guide treatment. Inflammation can be influenced by diet, and certain foods may either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms.

Dietary Guidelines for Managing Inflammation and Asthma
1. Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These include:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for a variety of colors. Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale) are excellent choices.

- Healthy Fats: Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseeds. These fats can help reduce inflammation.

- Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats instead of refined grains, which can contribute to inflammation.

2. Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake. Staying hydrated can help thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods: While you’ve already identified some foods to avoid, it’s essential to pay attention to individual reactions. Common triggers for asthma can include:
- Dairy Products: Some individuals find that dairy can increase mucus production.

- Processed Foods: Foods high in sugar, trans fats, and preservatives can promote inflammation.

- Common Allergens: If your family member has known food allergies (like shellfish or nuts), these should be strictly avoided.

4. Cooking Methods: Focus on healthy cooking methods such as steaming, baking, or grilling instead of frying. This can help reduce the intake of unhealthy fats that may contribute to inflammation.

5. Portion Control and Meal Timing: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage digestive discomfort and reduce bloating. This approach can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for overall health.

Addressing Bloating and Digestive Discomfort
Bloating can be caused by several factors, including food intolerances, overeating, or consuming gas-producing foods. Here are some strategies to mitigate bloating:
- Identify Food Intolerances: Keep a food diary to track what foods are consumed and any subsequent symptoms. This can help identify specific triggers.

- Limit Gas-Producing Foods: While you mentioned avoiding cabbage and broccoli, other common culprits include beans, lentils, and carbonated beverages. Monitor how these foods affect your family member.

- Eat Slowly: Encourage your family member to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. This can help reduce the amount of air swallowed, which can contribute to bloating.

- Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into the diet, either through supplements or fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. Probiotics can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion.

Asthma Management
For asthma management, it’s crucial to follow prescribed medications and avoid known triggers. If your family member is experiencing increased symptoms, it may be necessary to consult with a healthcare provider to adjust their asthma management plan.

Conclusion
In summary, managing high white blood cell counts and asthma through diet involves focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated, avoiding known triggers, and addressing digestive discomfort. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to monitor symptoms and adjust dietary choices as needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

Similar Q&A

How to Increase White Blood Cell Count: Tips and Dietary Suggestions

To increase white blood cell count, it is important to focus on a balanced diet rich in certain nutrients. Here are some dietary recommendations: 1. Protein-rich foods: Include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes, as they provide the amino acids necessary for white ...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Hello. The white blood cell count has a normal range, and both too high and too low counts are concerning. The causes of a low count may include blood disorders, anemia, or other factors. A high count may indicate a bacterial infection or other underlying issues. It is important ...

Boosting Immunity in Young Children: Essential Nutrients and Tips

Dear Director Shih, My three-year-old child frequently catches colds (almost every month). During the most recent cold, there was a wheezing sound during coughing that resembled asthma, which is quite concerning! What dietary considerations should we focus on, or what vitamins o...

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The climate in Taiwan is humid, which can easily trigger allergic bronchitis or asthma in children. It is important to maintain cleanliness at home and ideally reduce humidity. When cleaning the environment, it is advisable to keep children away to prevent triggering aller...

Boosting White Blood Cell Count and Reducing Inflammation with Traditional Chinese Medicine

I have rheumatoid arthritis, and long-term use of immunosuppressants has led to a decrease in my white blood cell count. From October 2021 to May 2022, my count fluctuated between 6,000 and 8,000, which was acceptable. However, since June, it has dropped from 7,070 to 8,450, then...

Dr. Gao Peiyi reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Ginseng, including American ginseng and codonopsis, is generally not suitable for individuals with rheumatoid conditions, correct? It is relatively unsuitable; consuming nutritious foods is sufficient. 2. I plan to make a soup with astragalus, goji berries, red dates, and por...

Effective Supplements and Drinks for Managing Childhood Asthma

Our children (one is two years old and the other is three and a half) have asthma due to genetic factors and often catch colds that require hospitalization. We would like to ask the doctor what dietary supplements or beverages can be used to improve the frequency of asthma attack...

Dr. Zhang Wenwang reply Pediatrics
Hello Cindy: There are many folk remedies circulating that claim to cure asthma, but according to family members who have tried them, they are not entirely effective. Instead of believing that a certain medication or food can improve asthma, it is better to maintain a balanced di...