What causes white blood cell count to be high?
Several factors can cause an elevated WBC count, including infections, inflammation, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Here are some common causes:
1. Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi can lead to an increase in WBCs as part of the body's immune response to fight off the infection.
2. Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, can also elevate the WBC count.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids (prednisone) and some chemotherapy drugs, can cause a transient increase in WBCs.
4. Stress: Severe emotional or physical stress can lead to a short-term elevation of WBCs.
5. Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or certain solid tumors, can cause the production of abnormal white blood cells, resulting in a high WBC count.
6. Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues can lead to inflammation and an elevated WBC count.
7. Bone marrow disorders: Conditions affecting the bone marrow, such as myeloproliferative disorders or bone marrow tumors, can cause abnormal production of white blood cells.
8. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there is a physiological increase in WBC count to support the immune system's adaptation to the developing fetus.
9. Smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase WBC counts over time due to chronic inflammation in the airways.
10. Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen, which plays a role in filtering and storing white blood cells, can lead to a mild elevation in WBC count.
It's important to note that a high WBC count on its own doesn't indicate a specific medical condition. Further evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, is necessary to determine the underlying cause of leukocytosis and receive appropriate treatment.