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symptoms high white blood cells

by Prof. Jordyn Crooks Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Some of the symptoms of High White Blood Cell count are:

  • Fever
  • Bleeding in the gums
  • Fainting
  • Paleness of skin
  • Lumps in the groin, underarm, around the neck and abdomen due to swollen lymph nodes
  • Breathing problems
  • Fatigue experienced all through the day
  • Frequent nosebleeds

Symptoms of a High White Blood Cell Count
  • Fever.
  • Fatigue.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Sweats.
  • Chills.
  • Swelling of an area of infection.
  • Joint swelling due to infection or autoimmune disease.
  • Itching, with or without a rash.
Mar 31, 2022

Full Answer

What does it mean if your white blood cells are high?

A high white blood cell count is also called leukocytosis. This means the numbers of white blood cells are higher than the normal range. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What happens if white blood cells are high?

What happens if White Blood Cells are High? Most people don’t feel anything when they have a high white blood cells count. However, it can make you look pale and feel tired all the time. Not to mention, that rashes and skin itches are going to occur more often than previously. What diseases cause high White Blood Cells count?

What causes white blood cells to be high?

  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Emotional Stress
  • Allergen reactions
  • Medications such as corticosteroids and epinephrine
  • Immune system disorder
  • Respiratory disorders such as whooping cough and tuberculosis
  • Cancer
  • Bone marrow disease
  • Injury

More items...

What are reasons white blood cell count is high?

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 happen if white blood cells are high?

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 would cause white blood cells to be high?

A high white blood cell count may indicate several things, such as the immune system is working to destroy an infection, a sign of physical or emotional stress, or particular types of cancer. Pregnancy also leads to high white blood cell count, as levels tend to rise from the first trimester, into the third.

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.

Does Covid cause high white blood cell count?

Conclusion. In conclusion, our study suggests that WBC count at admission is significantly corelated with death in COVID-19 patients. Higher level of WBC count (≥ 6.16 × 10^9/L) should be given more attention in the treatment of COVID-19.

How can I decrease my white blood cells?

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.

How long does it take for WBC to return to normal?

Depending on the type of infection, WBC can take from 5 days to 25 days for levels to return back to normal. For instance, a study has found that patients who contracted COVID-19 took between 2 to 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms for their WBC count to return to normal.

What are white blood cells?

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are cells produced by the bone marrow.

What is considered a high white blood cell count?

Usually, a person produces about 100 billion white blood cells per day.

What is leukocytosis?

Leukocytosis also called Hyperleukocytosis or elevated white blood cell count is an increase in the number of white blood cells above 10,000 cells per microliter of blood.

What causes a high white blood cell count?

High white blood cell count or hyperleukocytosis can be said to be physiological, i.e. normal :

What are the symptoms of high white blood cell count?

The symptoms of high white blood cell count will be those of the disease from which it results. For example, with a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, symptoms include:

How is hyperleukocytosis treated?

Leukocytosis is treated differently depending on the context and the cause of the hyperleukocytosis.

How high does your white blood count have to be to be hospitalized?

If your white blood cell count is elevated, then you should consult your doctor.

What are the symptoms of WBC?

Symptoms, when they occur, are predominantly related to infection and include: 1 . Frequent or recurrent infections.

What is the diagnosis of white blood cell disorder?

Treatment. White blood cell disorders are indicated when the body has too many or too few white blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes)—one of the four components of your blood. These cells, manufactured in the bone marrow, are involved in inflammatory responses and play an important role in your immune system's ability to fight infections.

What causes a white blood cell to become a cancer?

Common white blood cell disorders and their causes include: Leukocytosis: This is an increased number of white blood cells. Possible causes include bacterial or viral infections, certain medications, allergies, smoking, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, a genetic condition, and cancer. 3 . Leukemia: This is a cancer of the cells that ...

What are the two types of WBC disorders?

WBC disorders fall under two major categories— proliferative disorders, meaning an increase in WBCs, and leukopenias , which involve a decrease in WBCs. These can occur when there is a change in white blood cell production, a problem with cellular function, or another issue with a particular type of white blood cell.

Who treats WBC?

WBC disorders are usually treated by hematologists who specialize in blood disorders or immunologists who specialize in disorders of the immune system. Since white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy might be needed to complete the workup.

Which cells are involved in inflammatory reactions?

Basophils: Are involved in inflammatory reactions 2 . Types and Functions of White Blood Cell s.

What does it mean when your white blood cell count is high?

In general, a high white blood cell count may indicate that: Your body is reacting to a drug that causes an increase in WBC production. You have a disease in the bone marrow that is causing an abnormally high production of WBCs. You have an immune system disorder that causes an increase in WBC production.

Why is my white blood count high?

Here's What You Need To Know. A high white blood cell count may be caused by a wide range of conditions, which include normal physiological responses to stress, allergic reactions, infection and serious conditions such as cancer. Treatment usually depends on the cause or disease.

What causes a high neutrophil count?

The neutrophils make up about 59 percent of your white blood cell population. An increase in your neutrophil count (neutrophilia) may be due to: 1 Infection, which is the most common cause, frequently due to bacteria but also fungi or viruses 2 Inflammation, which may be related to various conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, or rheumatoid arthritis 3 Malignancy (cancer), including leukemia (cancer of the blood) 4 Stress 5 The use of certain drugs or medications, including lithium, heparin, carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, phenytoin, minocycline, and steroids 6 Certain genetic conditions such as familial cold urticaria, familial neutrophilia

How high is a WBC count?

Furthermore, the threshold for a high white blood cell count in kids varies with their age and size. In adults, a WBC count of more than 11,000 per microliter of blood is considered higher than healthy.

What are the components of white cells that contribute to an increase in the total number of your WBCs?

There are five distinct components of white cells that may contribute to an increase in the total number of your WBCs. Leukocytosis may occur due to an increase in one or a combination of these cells: Neutrophils. Lymphocytes .

Why is my WBC high?

In most cases, the cause of the high white blood cell count is related to an on-going medical condition, such as an infection, but less frequently, high white blood cell counts may be caused by a serious disorder or disease process, such as leukemia. The values that doctors consider as a high WBC count may differ from one medical practice ...

Why do neutrophils increase?

An increase in your neutrophil count (neutrophilia) may be due to: Infection, which is the most common cause, frequently due to bacteria but also fungi or viruses. Inflammation, which may be related to various conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

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 it important to have a high white blood cell count?

Having an essential number of cells to fight bacterial and viral infections is key in maintaining overall health. A high white blood cell count may indicate infection and an increased risk for serious health conditions. You may be able to maintain healthy levels and even lower high white blood cell counts by incorporating essential vitamins ...

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.

What does it mean when your white blood count is high?

An elevated white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis, can indicate a range of health problems such as infection or a blood or bone marrow disorder.

What is considered an elevated white blood cell count?

However, for adults, typically any value above around 11,000 white blood cells per microlitre of blood is considered an elevated white blood cell count.

Why does bone marrow produce white blood cells?

It begins producing extra white blood cells to fight the infection. Because infection can also lead to inflammation and white cells are produced in response to this, the inflammatory response itself can also be associated ...

Why is my white blood cell count high?

Causes of an elevated white blood cell count include infection, abnormalities in the bone marrow, smoking, chronic lung disease, immune disorders, inflammatory or allergic reactions or even physical and emotional stress. When infecting microorganisms are multiplying in the blood or tissues, the bone marrow is stimulated to increase its activity.

Is leukocytosis a disease?

On its own, leukocytosis is usually not harmful. An abnormally raised white blood cell count is not a disease condition, but can point to another underlying cause such as infection, cancer or autoimmune disorders. An abnormally high white blood cell count should always be considered for its possible causes. Not every elevated white cell count is ...

Does smoking cause leukemia?

However, these extra cells often don’t work properly, leaving leukemia patients susceptible to other infections. Smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that results from smoking can result in restricted airflow to the lungs. As the lungs and airways become more inflamed, the body creates more white blood cells in response. ...

Can a white cell count be detected?

There are no symptoms that can reliably indicate the presence of a raised white cell count. Doctors will usually consider carrying out an investigation to include the blood count if the symptoms described by a patient suggest that a blood count could be helpful to make a diagnosis.

What does it mean when your lymphocytes are high?

Many underlying medical conditions can cause lymphocytosis. High lymphocyte blood levels indicate your body is dealing with an infection or other inflammatory condition. Most often, a temporarily high lymphocyte count is a normal effect of your body’s immune system working.

Why is my lymphocyte count high?

Sometimes, lymphocyte levels are elevated because of a serious condition, like leukemia. Your doctor can order specific diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the cause of your lymphocytosis.

What is the most common type of leukemia?

In some cases, lymphocytosis is one of the first signs of certain blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is the most common type of leukemia seen in adults. Further tests are usually necessary to rule out other medical conditions and make a firm diagnosis of the cause of lymphocytosis.

What is lymphocytosis in Cleveland Clinic?

Lymphocytosis is a higher-than-normal amount of lymphocytes, a subtype of white blood cells, in the body. Lymphocytes are part of your immune system and work to fight off infections. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the role of lymphocytes in the immune system?

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. They play an important role in your immune system, helping your body fight off infection. Many underlying medical conditions can cause lymphocytosis.

Does lymphocytosis cause symptoms?

Lymphocytosis itself does not cause symptoms. However, you may experience symptoms from the underlying cause of lymphocytosis. Depending on the cause, symptoms may range from no symptoms to severe. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

What is a high red blood cell count?

A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for men, 5.4 million for women, and 5.5 for children. Additional tests will help your doctor determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.

Why do doctors check for high red blood cells?

Doctors typically find a high red blood cell count during tests for another health issue. You may need more tests to determine what’s causing the higher levels. These may include tests to look for conditions that cause your body to produce too many red blood cells, such as heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, ...

Why is my red blood count high?

A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder, although it doesn’t always indicate a health problem. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels.

What is the function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells are one of the major components of blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body. Doctors measure your red blood cell count to help diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health.

Types

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of white blood cell disorders can vary based on the underlying cause, although some people may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). If symptoms develop, they can often be non-specific. There can even be an overlap in symptoms between leukopenia and leukocytosis.
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Causes

  • There are many different causes of white blood cell disorders. Some are due to a severe infection, an autoimmune disease, genetics, or cancers affecting blood cells or bone marrow. Others are treatment-related or are caused by problems with other types of blood cells, such as red blood cells. Some are entirely idiopathic, meaning of unknown origin.4 Some of the white blood cell dis…
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Diagnosis

  • One of the first tests used to diagnose a white blood cell disorder is a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures all of the different types of blood cells in a sample of blood. It also measures the proportion of individual blood cells, which can help narrow the possible causes.3 The lab results are compared to a reference range of high and low values. Anything between the …
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Treatment

  • The treatment of white blood cell disorders differs according to the cause. Some treatments are used to cure the disease, while others simply manage the disease and keep it in check. Others still are used to relieve symptoms or help normalize the white blood cell count. Possible treatments include:1 1. Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections 2. Antiparasitic drugs: Used to treat par…
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Summary

  • A white blood cell disorder is one in which the white blood cells are either abnormally low (leukopenia) or abnormally high (leukocytosis). There are many possible causes of this, including infections, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and, in rare cases, cancer. There are even cases in which the cause is unknown. White blood cell disorders often require extensive tests to …
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A Word from Verywell

  • There is a wide range of white blood cell disorders, some of which are more serious than others. Many are chronic health concerns, meaning that you have to work closely with your doctor over the long term to keep yourself healthy. With that said, having an abnormally high or abnormally low white blood cell count doesn't necessarily mean you have a serious disease. Some condition…
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