Common Causes
Overall, the most common cause for a high white blood cell count is response to infection. Another potential cause of an elevated white blood cell count is leukemia. This is effectively a cancerous change of the blood and bone marrow which causes significant overproduction of white blood cells.
Related Conditions
Leukocytosis means you have a high white blood cell count. This means you have more white blood cells than normal. Leukocytosis is a normal immune response and isn’t always a cause for concern. Most of the time, it means that your body is fighting off infection or inflammation.
Why would someone have a high white blood cell count?
Produced in your bone marrow, they defend your body against infections and disease. But, when there are too many white blood cells, it usually means you have infection or inflammation in your body. Less commonly, a high white blood cell count could indicate certain blood cancers or bone marrow disorders.
What does it mean if your white blood cell count is high?
This condition is known as leukocytosis. In case of increased count of WBCs, usually, an increase in one type of white blood cells is noticed. Slightly elevated white blood cell count usually indicates an infection, a problem in the immune system or bone marrow, or it can be a side-effect of a drug.
What does a high white blood cell count indicate?
What can cause slightly elevated white blood cell count?
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Is high white blood count serious?
Leukocytosis is a normal immune response and isn't always a cause for concern. Most of the time, it means that your body is fighting off infection or inflammation. However, there are times when a high white blood cell count could indicate something more serious, such as leukemia.Jan 19, 2022
What happen if white blood cells are high?
White blood cells are vital components of the blood. Their role is to fight infection, and they are essential for health and well-being. A high white blood cell count may indicate that the immune system is working to destroy an infection. It may also be a sign of physical or emotional stress.
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.Sep 13, 2021
How can I lower my white blood cells naturally?
To lower your high white blood cell count, you should include the following in your diet:Vitamin C. ... Antioxidants. ... Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ... Avoid foods rich in sugar, fat and salt.
Elevated White Blood Cell Count: What Is The Normal WBC Count?
Before you can figure out what an elevated white blood cell count is, you need to know what a normal white blood cell count. The scale for a normal...
Causes of Elevated White Blood Cell Count
An elevated white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can be evidence that your body is trying to fight off something. If your test results...
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Elevated White Blood Cell Counts Should Be Monitored
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What is an elevated white blood cell count?
An elevated white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can be evidence that your body is trying to fight off something. If your test results show an elevated white blood cell count, your first thought might be that something horrible is wrong with you. While many of the causes of an elevated white blood cell count are serious, ...
How old is a baby when you have a high white blood cell count?
As an infant, your white blood cell count tends to be higher, and the count steadily decreases to the age of 16. The measurements are taken per microliter or mcL. “Normal” white blood cell counts can vary from laboratory to laboratory, but they do tend to be similar.
What foods lower white blood cells?
The following foods can not only help you lower the white blood cell count, but they are also good, healthy choices alone. 1. Antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants like carrots, blueberries, onions and garlic are great to help with the immune system. 2.
What causes white blood cells to increase?
injury. emotional stress. labor. pregnancy. smoking. allergic reactions. excessive exercise . Certain respiratory illnesses, such as a whooping cough or tuberculosis, may cause the levels of white blood cells to increase. In some cases, all white blood cells are affected.
What is the term for an increase in white blood cells?
An increase in white blood cells is known as leukocytosis. It typically occurs in response to the following conditions: infection. immunosuppression. medications, including corticosteroids. a bone marrow or immune disorder. certain cancers, such as acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. inflammation. injury.
How many white blood cells are there in the human body?
Several types of white blood cell serve different functions. Most people will produce around 100 billion white blood cells every day. There are normally between 4,000 and 11,000 cells in every microliter of blood, although this can vary according to race. There are several different types of white blood cells, each with varying responsibilities: ...
What does it mean when your monocytes are high?
Monocytes: High levels of monocytes may indicate the presence of chronic infection, an autoimmune or blood disorder, cancer, or other medical conditions. Lymphocytes: If there is an elevation in the level of lymphocytes, the condition is known as lymphocytic leukocytosis. This may occur as a result of a virus or an infection, such as tuberculosis. ...
What are the different types of white blood cells?
There are several different types of white blood cells, each with varying responsibilities: 1 Lymphocytes: These are vital for producing antibodies that help the body to defend itself against bacteria, viruses, and other threats. 2 Neutrophils: These are powerful white blood cells that destroy bacteria and fungi. 3 Basophils: These alert the body to infections by secreting chemicals into the bloodstream, mostly to combat allergies. 4 Eosinophils: These are responsible for destroying parasites and cancer cells, and they are part of an allergic response 5 Monocytes: These are responsible for attacking and breaking down germs or bacteria that enter the body.
What percentage of blood cells are white?
White blood cells make up around 1 percent of all blood cells, and they are essential to regular function in the immune system. White blood cells are also known as leukocytes. The bone marrow continuously produces white blood cells.
What organs do monocytes travel to?
When necessary, monocytes travel to other organs, such as the spleen, liver, lungs, and bone marrow, where they transform into a cell called a macrophage. A macrophage is responsible for many functions, including removing dead or damaged tissue, destroying cancer cells, and regulating the immune response.
What causes high white blood cell count?
The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high: Viral or bacterial infection. Inflammation. Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery) Burns. Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Thyroid problems.
What does a high white blood count mean?
High white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis, can indicate a range of conditions including infections, inflammation, bodily injury and immune system disorders. A complete blood count (CBC) is usually performed to check for leukocytosis.
What does a white blood cell count tell you?
What does a white blood cell count test tell? White blood cells are measured in the number per microliter, and a “normal” count is generally a range. Different laboratories might use different ranges. In general, the normal range for men is 5,000-10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. For women who are not pregnant, ...
What are the different types of white blood cells?
There are five main types of white blood cells: Neutrophils (also called segs, PMNs, granulocytes, or grans) Lymphocytes. Monocytes.
Where are white blood cells made?
White blood cells are the part of the blood that fight infections. All blood cells, including white blood cells, are made in the bone marrow.
What is the normal range of white blood cells?
In general, the normal range for men is 5,000-10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. For women who are not pregnant, the range is 4,500-11,000 white blood cells per microliter. For children, the range is 5,000-10,000. A type of test called a white blood cell differential (sometimes called a “diff”) might be done at the same time as ...
Why do white blood cells rise?
They can rise for several reasons including stress, smoking, allergies, bacterial or viral infections, as well as certain drugs. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are one of the four components that make up blood.
What does it mean when your WBC is high?
A high white blood cell count is usually no surprise. You will typically have signs or knowledge of an existing condition that points to a high WBC count. Your doctor may perform a WBC test if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: Fever. Body aches.
How many white blood cells are in a microliter?
The test will measure the number of white blood cells per microliter in your blood. The normal range for your WBC is usually 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter. Your WBC is generally considered high if it is greater than 11,000 cells per microliter.
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is low?
If your count is low, your immune system is less effective at fighting off bacteria, viruses, or other diseases. A high white blood cell count, known as leukocytosis, can also be cause for concern. Anyone can have a high white blood cell count.
What is the role of basophils in the immune system?
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a role in identifying and destroying bacteria and foreign proteins. Basophils work along with other white blood cells to defend against the invading microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
What is CBC in blood work?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a calculation of the cellular makeup of blood. A CBC measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets in the blood, and aids in diagnosing conditions and disease such as malignancy, anemia, or blood clotting problems.
What are some ways to treat high WBC?
Here are some examples of common treatments for the underlying conditions that cause a high white blood cell count: Antihistamines or inhalers for allergies. Antibiotics for bacterial infections. Changes to medication if caused by a drug reaction.
Why are my white blood cells so high?
The white blood cell types show distinct causes for their high levels. Monocyte levels can rise to indicate an autoimmune disorder, blood disorder, chronic infection, or cancer. Lymphocyte levels may increase due to a virus, infection, or cancer.
Why is my WBC count high?
We produce approximately 100 billion white blood cells each day. The body stores white blood cells in the blood and lymphatic systems, and a high count indicates inflammation. WBC counts may also be raised when we are under emotional or physical stress.
What are the different types of white blood cells?
1. Lymphocytes aid in fighting various infections with the production of antibodies. Bacterial and toxic infections are targeted by the lymphocyte B cells while lymphocyte T cells respond to viral or cancerous infection s. 2.
How many white blood cells are there in a cubic millimeter?
However, the general consensus is that a normal range is between 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter. ...
What does a high WBC count mean?
It is conducted in conjunction with a complete blood cell test, known as CBC. A high count indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
What foods help to increase WBC?
You may be able to fight infection and maintain regular WBC counts with sources like salmon, herring, and trout dishes. Enjoy walnuts and flaxseed in your daily diet as well.
Why do lab results vary?
Because white blood cells are calculated by the number of cells per volume of blood, test results can vary between labs. Different labs use different degrees of measurements for the white blood cell count.
What causes a high lymphocyte count?
The most common cause of lymphocytic leukocytosis is infection with a virus. Other causes include:.
What is it called when you have too many white blood cells?
Leukocytosis is when you have too many white blood cells. Learn about leukocytosis , including what causes it, how it is diagnosed, and which conditions are associated with it. Skip to main content . Check Your Symptoms . Find A Doctor .
What are the roles of white blood cells in fighting invaders?
Different types of white blood cells have different roles in fighting invaders: Neutrophils fight bacteria, eosinophils fight parasites, monocytes fight foreign organisms and also deal with cell waste, and lymphocytes make up the immune system.
What is a high count of lymphocytes?
You can have a high count of all five types of cells, a few types, or just one type — usually lymphocytes or neutrophils. A high count of these cells is sometimes associated with blood cancers. Lymphocytic Leukocytosis. Lymphocytes are an important part of the body's defense system.
How to diagnose leukemia?
Doctors usually diagnose leukemia by analyzing a bone marrow sample. . A serious condition can result if a person has leukemia and the number of immature neutrophils in the blood goes too high. This rare condition is called hyperviscosity syndrome,and it can happen when the blood becomes too thick.
Why are white blood cells important?
White blood cells, called leukocytes, are important for making sure your body stays healthy. They protect it from alien substances and fight infection. A higher-than-normal number of white blood cells is called leukocytosis. Leukocytes usually increase in number when they are doing their job, but there are some other conditions ...
How much of your blood is made up of leukocytes?
Although leukocytes are very important, they make up only about 1% of your blood. Like other blood cells, they are made in the bone marrow. They are being created all the time because most have a very short lifespan. Some live for less than a day.