Isabella Carter
A high white blood cell count, known as leukocytosis, is typically characterised by a reading of over 11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood in adults. This count varies according to age and sex, with men usually exhibiting counts between 5,000 and 10,000, and women between 4,500 and 11,000. Leukocytosis can indicate a range of conditions, including infections, inflammation, injury, and immune system disorders. In some cases, it may also be a symptom of certain blood cancers, such as leukaemia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term for high white blood cell count | Leukocytosis |
| Number of white blood cells in a healthy adult | 4,000-11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells in a healthy man | 5,000-10,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells in a healthy woman | 4,500-11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells in a healthy child | 5,000-10,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells in a newborn | 30,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells indicating leukocytosis | >11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells indicating hyperleukocytosis | >100,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Number of white blood cells indicating a poor prognosis | >35,000 WBCs per microliter of blood |
| Conditions causing high white blood cell count | Infections, inflammation, injury, immune system disorders, cancers, emotional stress, intense exercise, pregnancy |
| Types of leukocytosis | Neutrophilia leukocytosis, Lymphocytosis, Monocytosis, Eosinophilia |
| Tests | Complete blood count (CBC) test, blood test |
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What You'll Learn
Leukocytosis
There are five types of leukocytosis, depending on which type of white blood cell is affected:
- Neutrophilia leukocytosis: caused by a high number of neutrophils, the most plentiful type of white blood cell, which helps resolve infections and heal damaged tissues.
- Lymphocytosis: refers to high levels of lymphocytes, which protect the lymphatic system.
- Monocytosis: caused by a high number of monocytes, which boost immune responses.
- Eosinophilia: characterised by high levels of eosinophils, which play a role in fighting infections and inflammation, often related to allergies, parasitic infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Basophilia: the rarest form, characterised by an increased number of basophils, which fight parasitic infections, prevent blood clotting, and respond to allergic reactions.
To check for leukocytosis, a complete blood count (CBC) test is usually performed. This test measures the overall level of white blood cells in the blood, as well as the proportion of different types of white blood cells. Identifying changes in the distribution of white blood cells can help pinpoint the underlying cause of leukocytosis. Treating the underlying condition typically reduces the white blood cell count.
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Infection
When the body is fighting an infection, it is common to have a higher number of white blood cells, as they work to destroy the infection. This is known as neutrophilia leukocytosis, caused by a high number of neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell.
The presence of other types of white blood cells can also indicate specific types of infections. For example, high levels of eosinophils, which play a role in fighting infections and inflammation, can indicate parasitic infections. Lymphocytosis, or high levels of lymphocytes, can suggest viral syndromes or autoimmune diseases.
To diagnose leukocytosis, a doctor will typically perform a complete blood count (CBC) test. This can help identify the underlying cause of the high white blood cell count, and further tests may be necessary.
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Inflammation
Leukocytosis, or a high white blood cell count, can be indicative of inflammation in the body. White blood cells (WBCs) are an important part of the immune system, produced in the bone marrow, and are essential to fighting infections and diseases. A high WBC count can indicate that the body is responding to an infection or inflammation.
In some cases, inflammation causing leukocytosis can be indicative of more serious conditions. For instance, it may suggest immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or it could be related to dental issues like cavities. Additionally, certain medications, such as lithium, corticosteroids, and beta-agonists, can lead to leukocytosis due to inflammation.
Leukocytosis can also be indicative of allergic reactions or parasitic infections, which are forms of inflammation. Eosinophilia, an increase in eosinophils (WBCs that fight infections and inflammation), is often associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Identifying these specific WBC types through a complete blood count (CBC) test can help determine the underlying cause of leukocytosis.
As a marker of inflammation, leukocytosis can serve as a prognostic indicator in patients without infection. Elevated WBC counts in these cases may suggest increased morbidity and mortality risks, particularly in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.
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Emotional stress
Chronic stress can be caused by various factors, such as work deadlines, financial burdens, intense exercise, and noise pollution. It can lead to an abnormal rise in neutrophils and a decrease in lymphocytes, weakening the immune system. This can make the body more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, it has been found that general fatigue may be a key determinant of low-grade inflammation, as represented by increases in white blood cells and neutrophil counts. Poor sleep has also been identified as an independent risk factor for higher white blood cell counts.
There are techniques to manage stress and maintain a healthy immune system, such as meditation, exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet. It is also recommended to seek treatment for anxiety or depression as needed.
It is important to note that a high white blood cell count due to emotional stress will likely normalize on its own and may not require any specific treatment. However, if you are concerned about your white blood cell count, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide more information about your test results and recommend appropriate steps to address any underlying issues.
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Blood cancers
A high white blood cell count, known as leukocytosis, is typically a sign of infection or inflammation. However, in rarer cases, it could indicate certain blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, which can cause a reduced production of healthy white blood cells.
In cases of severe acute leukemia, extremely elevated white blood cell counts can thicken the blood and decrease blood flow, leading to hyperviscosity syndrome. This condition can cause serious health issues such as stroke, internal bleeding, and vision impairment.
It is important to note that a person's white blood cell count can also indicate their response to cancer treatment, and counts usually return to normal after treatment is complete.
A complete blood count (CBC) test is usually performed to check for leukocytosis, and treating the underlying condition will typically reduce the white blood cell count.
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Frequently asked questions
For an adult, a white blood cell count of over 11,000 per microliter of blood is considered high. This number varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and pregnancy status.
A high white blood cell count, or leukocytosis, can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection or dealing with inflammation. It can also be a sign of physical or emotional stress. In rare cases, it could be a symptom of certain blood cancers, such as leukemia.
In most cases, an elevated white blood cell count does not present any specific symptoms. However, general symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia, and frequent infections may occur.
A complete blood count (CBC) test is typically performed to check for leukocytosis. This test measures the overall level of white blood cells and the proportion of different types of white blood cells.
The treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, high white blood cell counts due to stress or intense exercise will likely normalize on their own, while infections may require medications such as antibiotics. Treating the underlying condition usually helps reduce the white blood cell count.
