From the Guidelines
Vaping can potentially cause an elevated white blood cell count due to the inflammatory response it triggers in the body, particularly in the lungs and respiratory system. When you vape, the chemicals in e-cigarettes can lead to an increase in white blood cells, especially neutrophils, as a natural defense mechanism against perceived threats 1. Studies have shown that regular vapers may have higher levels of inflammatory markers and white blood cells compared to non-vapers. The severity of this effect can depend on several factors including frequency of vaping, the specific e-liquid ingredients, and individual health factors.
Some key points to consider include:
- The effects of vaping on the immune system are not fully understood, but it is known to cause inflammation and increase the risk of respiratory problems 1.
- The use of e-cigarettes has been associated with increased inflammation and elevated plasma IgE concentrations, which can lead to a higher prevalence of chronic cough, bronchitis, asthma, and wheezing 1.
- It is recommended to discourage the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping, especially in individuals with diabetes, due to the potential adverse health effects 1.
- If you're a vaper and have discovered you have a high white blood cell count, it would be advisable to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend reducing or eliminating vaping to see if your counts normalize.
Overall, the current evidence suggests that vaping can have negative effects on the immune system and respiratory health, which can lead to an elevated white blood cell count. It is essential to prioritize caution and consider the potential risks associated with vaping, especially in the context of real-life clinical medicine.
From the Research
Vaping and White Blood Cell Count
- The relationship between vaping and white blood cell count is explored in a study published in 2022 2, which found that e-cigarette use might be associated with a systemic response that could lead to an increase in white blood cell count, especially lymphocytes and monocytes, in US adults.
- The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018 and found that the non-smoke group had the lowest value in white blood cell counts, lymphocyte, and monocyte among the four different groups.
- Adjusted analysis showed that white blood cell count, especially lymphocyte and monocyte, of the non-smoke group showed a negative significant effect for the e-cigarette group.
Smoking and White Blood Cell Count
- A study published in 2019 3 found that smoking causes increases in white blood cells, with up to 19% increases in former and current smokers compared to never smokers.
- The study used a Mendelian randomization approach and included 104,607 white Danes aged 20 to 100 years from the Copenhagen General Population Study.
- The study found that the associations between smoking and white blood cell count were dose-dependent, with tobacco consumption and also dependent on smoking cessation time in former smokers.
Elevated Leukocyte Count and Systemic Inflammation
- A review published in 2018 4 found that elevated leukocyte count is a harbinger of systemic inflammation, disease progression, and poor prognosis.
- The review found that high but normal leukocyte counts at baseline predict increased cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality in older adults.
- The review also found that leukocyte count correlates positively with genuine markers of systemic inflammation like C-reactive protein and interleukin 6.
Other Studies
- A study published in 2022 5 found that daily white blood cell count was higher for patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia and additional infections compared to those with ventilator-associated pneumonia alone.
- A study published in 1999 6 found that smoking, increasing age, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second, and a history of bronchitis were associated with increased white blood cell count.