High white blood cell count
Definition
A high white blood cell count is an increase in cells in the blood that fight infections. What's considered high in a white blood cell count varies from one lab to another. This is because laboratories set their own reference ranges based on the populations they serve. In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells in a microliter of blood is considered high.
Causes
A high white blood cell count usually means one of the following has increased the making of white blood cells: An infection. Reaction to a medicine. A bone marrow disease An immune system issue. Sudden stress such as hard exercise. Smoking. Specific causes of a high white blood cell count include: Allergy, especially severe allergic reactions Asthma Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections Burns Churg-Strauss syndrome Medicines, such as corticosteroids and epinephrine Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) Leukemia Lymphoma Myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder) Polycythemia vera Pregnancy Rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that can affect the joints and organs) Sarcoidosis (a condition in which tiny collections of inflammatory cells can form in any part of the body) Smoking. Tuberculosis Vasculitis Whooping cough
When to see a doctor
A test a health care provider orders to diagnose a condition can reveal a high white blood cell count. A high white blood cell count is rarely found by chance. Talk to your care provider about what your results mean. A high white blood cell count plus results from other tests might show the cause of your illness. Or you might need other tests for more information about your condition.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.