What Happens If White Blood Cells Are High
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, play a central role in the immune system because they help protect the body from infections.
If the number of leukocytes in the blood is increased, experts speak of leukocytosis. Excessively high leukocyte levels are typical and do not necessarily have to be a cause for concern.
The causes are often harmless, and the increased levels only occur temporarily, for example, because the body is fighting an infection or inflammation.
In some cases, however, high leukocyte levels also indicate potentially severe or even malignant causes that, if left untreated, can take a dangerous course, such as leukemia.
When are Leukocyte Levels Too High?
The normal range (reference range) for adults is between 4,500 and 11,000 leukocytes per microliter (µl) of blood. If the values are higher, leukocytosis is present.
What Causes High White Blood Cell Count?
Increased leukocyte levels can have various causes. Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi parasites, or inflammatory processes are usually the cause. High white blood cell levels can also occur, for example, in the following cases:
- Severe emotional or physical stress (e.g., after injuries, burns, operations, or fever)
- Autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus )
- Taking certain medications (such as glucocorticoids or “cortisone”)
- Allergies
- pregnancy
- Smoke
- Obesity
More rarely, high leukocyte levels are associated with a malignant disease such as leukemia or other bone marrow diseases.
When Are High White Blood Cells Levels A Cause For Concern?
A leukocyte count that is too high does not always indicate a dangerous development. In many cases, temporarily elevated values are a normal reaction to infections, inflammation, or stress.
However, long-term high leukocyte counts can be an indication that there may be a more serious underlying cause, such as a chronic disease. In addition, various accompanying factors and circumstances can suggest the suspicion of a severe or malignant disease.
If elevated leukocyte levels are accompanied by specific other abnormalities in the blood count, this may indicate leukemia or other bone marrow diseases.
If high white blood cell counts are accompanied by persistent fever, fatigue, pain, unintentional weight loss, or other unusual symptoms, this can also indicate serious health problems.
Symptoms Of High White Blood Cells (Leukocytosis)
Leukocytosis itself often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. Instead, the symptoms you notice are due to the underlying cause of the leukocytosis. For example, fever and fatigue may indicate an infection that is being fought by the immune system. In chronic conditions, joint pain and other symptoms may occur.
Treatment Of High White Blood Cells (Leukocytosis)
Treatment for leukocytosis depends on its cause. If an infection causes it, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be required. If the disease is inflammatory, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. For cancers such as leukemia, treatment is more complex and often involves a combination of chemotherapy and other forms of therapy.
Conclusion
If the white blood cell count is too high, this does not necessarily mean that it is dangerous. Often, the blood count only indicates a temporary, usually harmless health condition. However, leukocytosis can also indicate malignant causes.
Suppose elevated leukocyte counts persist for a more extended period. In that case, other symptoms or signs of serious illness occur, a doctor should clarify possible causes.
