High White Blood Cell Count Causes

A high white blood cell count is referred to as leukocytosis, which can be classified into five subcategories depending on the specific type of white blood cell which increases in the body. White blood cells (WBC), also called leukocytes, are an integral part of the immune system, as they help fight infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

There are basically five types of white blood cells - neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, and they are produced in the bone marrow.

The first three types of WBC, i.e., neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes, as they contain microscopic granules in the cytoplasm. Monocytes and lymphocytes fall into the category of agranulocytes, as they do not contain microscopic granules in their cytoplasm.

An increase in the number of neutrophils is termed as neutrophilia, while an increase in eosinophils is known as eosinophilia. Similarly, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and basophilia are the terms used to refer to the increase in the levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils respectively.

An elevated white blood cell count means that there is an increase in the production of white blood cells, which can be caused by an infection. In other words, the body can produce more white blood cells to fight an infection.

Other than infections, certain drugs, immune system disorders, and diseases of the bone marrow can increase the production of white blood cells. Bacterial, viral, parasitic, as well as fungal infections, and tissue damage caused by burns can be associated with an elevated white blood cell count in infants and adults.

Some medical conditions that can be associated with leukocytosis are, allergies, hemorrhage, fever, cancer (especially acute and chronic leukemia), physical and emotional stress, tuberculosis, pneumonia, measles, rheumatoid arthritis, whooping cough, myelofibrosis, and polycythemia vera.

Certain drugs or medications can also cause the number of white blood cells to increase in the body. Some such medications are, corticosteroids, chloroform, quinine, lithium, beta antagonist, aspirin, and anti-seizure drugs.

An elevated white blood cell count is quite common during pregnancy, and it may not be associated with any disease. But if leukocytosis is accompanied by fever or an infection, then it should be properly evaluated.

On the other hand, an elevated white blood cell count in urine can be associated with bacterial infections of the urinary tract, especially kidney and bladder infections. An obstruction in the bladder, as well as the formation of kidney stones can be some other possible causes of excessive white blood cells in urine.

The count of white blood cells is generally determined by examining a sample of blood drawn from a vein, usually located inside the elbow or the back side of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, in order to draw out a small amount of blood.

An elastic band is usually placed around the upper arm, so as to apply pressure to the area and cause the vein to swell a bit. The blood sample is collected in the vial or a tube attached to the needle, and then sent to the laboratory for examination. In young children, a blood sample is collected by puncturing the skin with the help of a lancet.

The treatment of leukocytosis depends on the underlying causes. So, it can be treated only after ascertaining the underlying causes. The diagnostic tests performed for determining the causes of leukocytosis can vary considerably from one person to another, and so can be the treatment.

If leukocytosis is caused by the intake of certain medications, it can be treated by discontinuing the particular medicine, and replacing it with another drug.

In general, a high white blood cell count is not a major health concern, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms or health problems, like fever or an infection.

But if the count of white blood cells is consistently high, it is better to get the condition property evaluated to find out the underlying causes, and to rule out the possibility of serious health problems.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.