White blood cells (leukocytes) are an important part of the body’s defense against infectious organisms and foreign substances
(the immune system
White blood cells ). The number of white blood cells (white cell count) is normally less than 11,000 cells per microliter of blood (11 × 109 per liter). The most common cause of an increase in the white blood cell count is The normal response of the body to an infection Other causes include
CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION  Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. What are white blood cells?White blood cells (leukocytes) help protect your body from infection. Normally, when germs get inside your body, your body makes more white blood cells that search for and destroy the germs. Less often, there are medical problems where the body may make a lot more white blood cells than it needs. What happens when you have a high white blood cell count?Your white blood cell count may be high because your body is fighting an infection. But other things can cause it, such as some medicines, burns, an illness, or other health problems. When your doctor sees that your white blood cell count is high, he or she will try to find out why, and then treat the cause. What are the symptoms?A high white blood cell count alone doesn't cause any symptoms. The symptoms you feel may come from the medical problem that your white blood cells are fighting. For example, if you have pneumonia, you may have a fever and trouble breathing. These are symptoms of pneumonia, not of a high white blood cell count. How is it treated?
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter V383 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About High White Blood Cell Counts". A high white blood cell (WBC) count can develop due to many conditions. White blood cells are an important part of the body’s immune system. These cells help fight infection, aid in healing from trauma, and assist in recovery from disease. There are several types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes) that act in different ways and may be increased in number in different conditions. This article will discuss symptoms of the conditions associated with a high white blood cell count, including common causes, tests, and treatments. Please see your healthcare provider for specifics regarding your condition. svetikd / Getty Images Symptoms of a High White Blood Cell CountSymptoms of common conditions that may be associated with a high white blood cell count include:
Causes of a High White Cell CountInfections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body’s way of eliminating infectious organisms—viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer, and bone marrow disorders. When white blood cells are active, they can have several effects. These include:
What Medications Can Cause a High White Cell Count?Medications known to increase the WBC count include corticosteroids, lithium, colony-stimulating factors, beta-agonists, and epinephrine. How to Treat a High White Cell CountWhen a high white cell count is caused by an infection that is resolving on its own, as is the case with most viral infections, no medical intervention is needed beyond symptomatic treatment (such as getting rest or drinking warm tea to soothe a sore throat). Your healthcare provider may suggest ways to relieve the symptoms of the underlying condition that is causing the elevated white cell count. These treatments include:
These treatments may help you feel better, but they might not lower your white blood cell count. Other treatments that may be needed to treat the underlying condition include:
Some conditions, such as the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis and lupus or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), may require ongoing therapy. Complications and Risk Factors Associated With a High WBC CountBlood cancers and autoimmune diseases that cause overproduction of abnormal white blood cells can cause susceptibility to infections and impaired healing from injuries or diseases. Sometimes, a high white blood cell count is accompanied by anemia (a low red blood cell count). This happens when bone marrow disease that’s causing overproduction of white blood cells also causes underproduction of red blood cells. Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a High WBC Count?A high white cell count is identified in a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This test provides a report of the number of white blood cells and red blood cells, as well as the types of each white blood cell and their percentage. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the normal number of white blood cells in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). In addition to a CBC, you might also have a microscopic examination of your blood sample (peripheral blood smear), which can determine whether the size or shape of the cells is abnormal. Some conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, can be associated with excess amounts of degenerate neutrophils, which are neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) that are dying. And some types of cancer can cause excess white blood cells that have an unusual microscopic appearance. When to See a Healthcare ProviderCall your healthcare provider if you feel sick, run-down, or have a fever for longer than a few days. If you have already been diagnosed with a chronic disease that causes a high white cell count, you and your healthcare providers should discuss the signs that your condition is worsening and develop a plan for when you should get medical attention. Get prompt medical attention if you develop any of the following:
SummaryWhite blood cells are part of the immune system that help fight infection and help you heal from disease. Your white blood cells can temporarily increase while you are recovering from an illness. Sometimes, medical problems associated with excess normal or abnormal white blood cells can cause symptoms such as fever, swelling, or congestion. A CBC can measure your white blood cell count. Medications can treat the underlying condition that is causing the elevated white blood cell count. A Word From VerywellHaving a high white blood cell count by itself usually is not a reason to worry. This is one of the signs that your body is fighting an infection or recovering from an illness. The chronic or serious illnesses that cause a high white cell count are often treatable with medication or other therapies. Frequently Asked Questions
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Heidi Moawad, MD Thanks for your feedback! When should I be worried about high WBC?A high white blood cell count isn't a specific disease in itself, but it can indicate an underlying problem, such as infection, stress, inflammation, trauma, allergy, or certain diseases. That's why a high white blood cell count usually requires further investigation.
Can you have high white blood cell count without cancer?Does a high white blood cell count indicate cancer? Not always. A high white blood cell count could signal certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, but it more often is a sign of inflammation or infection.
What diseases does a high white blood cell count indicate?A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:. A bacterial or viral infection.. An inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.. An allergy.. Leukemia or Hodgkin disease.. Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery.. What white blood cell count indicates cancer?The WBC count range for people with CML is much higher than normal levels. The median WBC count among people with CML is 100,000/μl , but it can climb higher. Some sources note that people with acute or chronic leukemia may have a WBC count in the 100,000–400,000 range.
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High white blood cell count no infection
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