Common Causes
While feeling ill can be a sign of a high blood cell count, it’s also possible you will have no noticeable symptoms at all. An elevated WBC count in itself is not usually dangerous, but the causes of it can be if left untreated. On average, your body is naturally designed to produce white blood cells when needed and reduce them when you have regained normal health. What Is Indicated by a High WBC Count?
Related Conditions
Your WBC level of 15 is a High WBC level. If your WBC is in between 4 thou/uL and 11 thou/uL, then you need not worry as 4-11 thou/uL is the normal range for WBC. But if your WBC is lesser or greater than the above values, then there may be some problem in your body.
How dangerous is a high white blood cell count?
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.
What is a dangerously high white blood cell count?
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.
What does it mean if your white blood cell count is high?
What causes elevated white blood cell count?
What will happen if your white blood cells are high?
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. People with particular blood cancers may also have high white blood cells counts.
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 is an alarming white blood cell count?
In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count.
What is the most common reason for high white blood cell count?
Leukocytosis is most commonly caused by infection or inflammation. Other high white blood cell count causes may include: Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury or surgery).
How do you treat high white blood cell count?
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) is sometimes given to lower very high WBC counts rapidly until a CML diagnosis is confirmed through blood and bone marrow tests. Hydroxyurea is taken as a capsule by mouth. Lowering those very high WBC counts can help reduce the size of the spleen.
How do I decrease my white blood cell count?
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.
Can dehydration cause elevated WBC?
Leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000/mm 3) can indicate infection, inflammation (possibly from allergies), tissue damage or burns, dehydration, thyroid storm, leukemia, stress, or steroid use. The degree of leukocytosis depends on the severity of the disorder, the patient's age and general health, and bone marrow health.
Is 12.4 WBC high?
A: For an adult, a healthy WBC count is considered to be between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood.
Is 18000 white blood cell count high?
Leukocytosis is noted in 70% to 90% of cases; it is usually mild to moderate (10,000 to 18,000/mm3), with polymorphonuclear predominance. A marked elevation >18,000 to 20,000/mm3 suggests rupture, phlegmon, or abscess.
Is a white blood cell count of 10 high?
Normal Results The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about your test results.
Is 15000 WBC high?
White Blood Cell Count An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (>15,000/mm3) can be an indicator of bacteremia but is also present in many viral illnesses. Leukopenia (<5000/mm3) can also be a sign of SBI or early sepsis. Pneumococcal infection is classically associated with leukocytosis, whereas infection withN.
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.
Why do white blood cells increase during pregnancy?
White blood cell levels increase significantly during healthy pregnancy because of the physical stress the body endures during this time . The levels start to rise within the first trimester and continue to rise into the third trimester.
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is low?
A low white blood cell count can signal that an injury or condition is destroying cells faster than the body is making them, or that the body is producing too few of them.
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 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 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 ...
How many white blood cells are in a microliter?
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, the range is 4,500-11,000 white blood cells per microliter. For children, the range is 5,000-10,000.
How many types of white blood cells are there?
There are five main types of white blood cells:
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.
Is a white blood cell count part of CBC?
White blood cell tests are usually part of the CBC . However, your doctor might order a white blood cell count if you have:
Why is my white blood count high?
This could happen simply because your body is preparing for pregnancy, or it could be your body’s response to a seasonal allergy, cold or flu, or even strenuous exercise and emotional stress.
Why is white blood cell analysis important?
White blood cells are the ones that also help in the production, transportation, and distribution of antibodies in order to build and protect your body’s immune system. This is why white blood cell analysis is a good indicator that something is happening within your body – this could be as serious as HIV or leukemia, or a perfectly normal response to pregnancy or a cold.
How many white blood cells are there in the human body?
A normal white blood cell count is between 4,500 and 10,000 cells per microliter, and more specifically: In the absence of any disease, the white blood cells form just about 1% by volume of the total blood in the body. There are five different types of white blood cells and each serves a different function in the body.
What does CBC mean in blood test?
During a complete physical test, which will be ordered for many different reasons as well as simply to evaluate your general health, your doctor will order a Complete Blood Count ( CBC) test to evaluate: [ 1 ] ...
What is the difference between basophils and differential blood count?
The differential blood count (sometimes referred as diff) serves as an indicator and gives a clearer picture of the cause of a disease .
How many types of white blood cells are there?
There are five different types of white blood cells and each serves a different function in the body. They are the neutrophils, band neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and the basophils. [2] . In a healthy person, the expected white blood cell ranges are, per micro liter of blood [ 3 ]:
How do white blood cells fight infections?
These cells fight infections in a process known as "phagocytosis", where they surround the offending foreign organisms or pathogens and destroy them . White blood cells also help in the production, transportation, and distribution of antibodies in order to build the body’s immune system.
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 does it mean when your WBC is higher than normal?
Having a higher or lower number of WBCs than normal may indicate an underlying condition. A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.
What is a WBC test?
A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC). The term “white blood cell count” is also used more generally to refer to the number of white blood cells in your body. There are several types of white blood cells, ...
How many WBCs are normal for a newborn?
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC), these are the normal ranges of WBCs per microliter of blood (mcL): Age range. WBC count (per mcL of blood) newborns. 9,000 to 30,000.
Why is my WBC low?
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and bowel disease. stress. exercise. tissue damage. pregnancy. allergies. asthma. some medications, such as corticosteroids. After diagnosing the cause of a high or low WBC count and recommending a treatment plan, your doctor will periodically recheck your WBCs.
How does a healthcare provider stop bleeding?
The healthcare provider slowly inserts a needle into your arm or hand and collects the blood in an attached tube. The provider then removes the elastic band from around your arm and slowly removes the needle. Finally, the technician applies gauze to the needle site to stop the bleeding.
How to prepare for WBC?
A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory. Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count.
What to tell your doctor before blood draw?
Prior to having your blood drawn, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you’re currently taking.
What Causes a Low White Blood Cell Count?
A low white blood cell count can develop as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. You may also be given a more specific diagnosis based on the exact type of white blood cell affected like neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils. 1
Why is my white blood count low?
A low white blood cell count can develop as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. You may also be given a more specific diagnosis based on the exact type of white blood cell affected like neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils. 1
How does cancer affect WBCs?
Treatments for cancers can also lead to a drop in the number of WBCs in your blood. Medications like chemotherapy disrupt how rapidly growing cells such as cancer cells reproduce. It can also damage healthy cells like white blood cells. Radiation therapy, another common cancer treatment, works in much the same way and can also lead to a drop in white blood cell counts. 3
Why is my WBC count low?
Cancer and treatments used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can lower your WBC count. White blood cells are immune system cells that help defend your body against foreign threats like viruses and bacteria. When the number of WBCs in your body are low, you are at a higher risk of infections. It's important to work closely with your doctor to monitor your blood cell numbers and come up with strategies to prevent infections if you have cancer or are going through treatment for cancer.
How many white blood cells are in a microliter of blood?
It can vary by age and gender, but you are considered to have a low white blood cell count with less than 4,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood. The lower this number goes, the more susceptible you are to infections. 3
What is the condition where abnormal cells divide quickly, disrupting the function of organs and tissues in your body?
Cancer is a condition where abnormal cells divide quickly, disrupting the function of organs and tissues in your body. Cancer in the bone marrow, the spongy part of your bones that produces white blood cells (WBCs), can reduce the number of WBCs, which are immune system cells that fight pathogens in your body. They can also be damaged by treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. As a result, you may have a low white blood cell count, which is also known as leukopenia .
How many types of WBCs are there?
There are several types of white blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, and each can be affected differently by cancer and its treatments. There are five types of white blood cells:
