Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of a High White Cell CountSymptomsTreatmentComplicationsTestsWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes of a High White Cell Count
Symptoms
Treatment
Complications
Tests
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
White blood cells, also calledleukocytes, 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.
A highwhite blood cell (WBC) countcan develop due to many conditions, including:
This article will discuss symptoms of the conditions associated with a high white blood cell count, including common causes, tests, and treatments. See your healthcare provider for specifics regarding your condition.
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There are severaltypes of white blood cells(neutrophils,lymphocytes,eosinophils, basophils, andmonocytes) that act in different ways and may be increased in number in different conditions. A higher-than-normal number of white blood cells is calledleukocytosis.
When white blood cells are active, they can have several effects. These include:
Infections and Inflammation
Infections typically cause a high count of lymphocytes because these cells are the body’s way of eliminatinginfectious organisms—viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Some conditions that can cause a high lymphocyte count include:
Conditions that cause inflammation can also cause high WBC counts, such as:
Is a High White Blood Cell Count a Sign of Cancer?
While infections and inflammation are more often the cause for an increase in white blood cell counts, some cancers (lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia) and bone marrow disorders (polycythemia veraormyelofibrosis) are associated with high WBC count.
High White Blood Cell Count in Pregnancy
Other Causes of High White Blood Cell Count
Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including:
Can Medications Cause a High White Cell Count?
Medications known to increase the WBC count includecorticosteroids, lithium,colony-stimulating factors,beta-agonists, and epinephrine.
Symptoms of a High White Blood Cell Count
Some symptoms may be similar regardless of the cause of a high white blood cell count, while other symptoms will be specific to the underlying condition. In pregnancy, there will likely be no symptoms at all.
Infection and Inflammation Symptoms
Cancer Symptoms
Respiratory Symptoms
If high white blood count is related to a respiratory condition, symptoms may include:
How to Treat a High White Blood Cell Count
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 Count
Blood cancers and autoimmune diseases that cause overproduction of abnormal white blood cells can cause susceptibility to infections and impaired healing from injuries or diseases.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a High WBC Count?
A high white cell count is identified in a blood test called acomplete 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.
What Is a Normal WBC Count?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).
What Is a Normal WBC Count?
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).
What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health
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.
What Is a Dangerous WBC Count?A white blood cell count is considered high when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000 per microliter (μL) of blood.
What Is a Dangerous WBC Count?
A white blood cell count is considered high when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000 per microliter (μL) of blood.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Call 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:
Summary
White 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 Verywell
—STEFFINI STALOS, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. It is the underlying disease or condition causing the high WBC that produces symptoms. Symptoms will vary.It depends on the underlying condition that is causing a low white blood cell count. It is not beneficial to raise your white blood cell count above normal levels, but if your white blood cell count is low, then you will need treatment to help raise it to normal levels.Learn MoreIncreasing White Blood Cells During Chemotherapy
No. It is the underlying disease or condition causing the high WBC that produces symptoms. Symptoms will vary.
It depends on the underlying condition that is causing a low white blood cell count. It is not beneficial to raise your white blood cell count above normal levels, but if your white blood cell count is low, then you will need treatment to help raise it to normal levels.Learn MoreIncreasing White Blood Cells During Chemotherapy
It depends on the underlying condition that is causing a low white blood cell count. It is not beneficial to raise your white blood cell count above normal levels, but if your white blood cell count is low, then you will need treatment to help raise it to normal levels.
Learn MoreIncreasing White Blood Cells During Chemotherapy
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.White blood cell count (WBC).Podgórski T, Kryściak J, Pluta B, Adrian J, Marynowicz J, Krzykała M, Konefał M, Chmura P, Chmura J, Andrzejewski M. APractical approach to monitoring biomarkers of inflammation and muscle damage in youth soccer players during a 6-month training cycle.J Hum Kinet. 2021;80:185-197. doi:10.2478/hukin-2021-0093Merck Manual.Overview of white blood cell disorders.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Dockree S, Shine B, Pavord S, Impey L, Vatish M.White blood cells in pregnancy: reference intervals for before and after delivery.EBioMedicine. 2021;74:103715. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103715MedlinePlus.White blood cell count.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Leukemia-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): symptoms and signs.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.White blood cell count (WBC).Podgórski T, Kryściak J, Pluta B, Adrian J, Marynowicz J, Krzykała M, Konefał M, Chmura P, Chmura J, Andrzejewski M. APractical approach to monitoring biomarkers of inflammation and muscle damage in youth soccer players during a 6-month training cycle.J Hum Kinet. 2021;80:185-197. doi:10.2478/hukin-2021-0093Merck Manual.Overview of white blood cell disorders.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Dockree S, Shine B, Pavord S, Impey L, Vatish M.White blood cells in pregnancy: reference intervals for before and after delivery.EBioMedicine. 2021;74:103715. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103715MedlinePlus.White blood cell count.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Leukemia-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): symptoms and signs.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medline Plus.White blood cell count (WBC).Podgórski T, Kryściak J, Pluta B, Adrian J, Marynowicz J, Krzykała M, Konefał M, Chmura P, Chmura J, Andrzejewski M. APractical approach to monitoring biomarkers of inflammation and muscle damage in youth soccer players during a 6-month training cycle.J Hum Kinet. 2021;80:185-197. doi:10.2478/hukin-2021-0093Merck Manual.Overview of white blood cell disorders.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.Dockree S, Shine B, Pavord S, Impey L, Vatish M.White blood cells in pregnancy: reference intervals for before and after delivery.EBioMedicine. 2021;74:103715. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103715MedlinePlus.White blood cell count.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Leukemia-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): symptoms and signs.
Medline Plus.White blood cell count (WBC).
Podgórski T, Kryściak J, Pluta B, Adrian J, Marynowicz J, Krzykała M, Konefał M, Chmura P, Chmura J, Andrzejewski M. APractical approach to monitoring biomarkers of inflammation and muscle damage in youth soccer players during a 6-month training cycle.J Hum Kinet. 2021;80:185-197. doi:10.2478/hukin-2021-0093
Merck Manual.Overview of white blood cell disorders.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Understanding blood counts.
Dockree S, Shine B, Pavord S, Impey L, Vatish M.White blood cells in pregnancy: reference intervals for before and after delivery.EBioMedicine. 2021;74:103715. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103715
MedlinePlus.White blood cell count.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Leukemia-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): symptoms and signs.
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