What causes white blood cell count to be high?
A high white blood cell count (WBC) is a condition known as leukocytosis.
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.