White blood cells or leukocytes are an essential part of the immune system that helps the body fight infections and diseases. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood.

Having high white blood cells means that there is an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood. This can be an indication of an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of high white blood cells.

Causes of high white blood cells

High white blood cells or leukocytosis can be caused by various factors such as:.

Infections

The most common cause of high white blood cells is an infection. When the body fights off an infection, it produces more white blood cells to combat the foreign invaders. Some infections that can cause leukocytosis include:.

Bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis
Viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and mononucleosis
Fungal infections such as candidiasis and aspergillosis
Parasitic infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis

Inflammation

Another cause of high white blood cells is inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or damage. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.

When there is inflammation in the body, it produces more white blood cells to repair the damaged tissue. Some conditions that can cause inflammation and leukocytosis include:.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Pancreatitis

Stress

Stress can also cause high white blood cells. When the body is under stress, it produces more cortisol, a hormone that regulates the immune system. Cortisol can increase the production of white blood cells, which can lead to leukocytosis.

Some conditions that can cause stress and leukocytosis include:.

Severe emotional stress
Physical trauma such as surgery or injury
Excessive exercise
Seizures

Medications

Certain medications can also cause high white blood cells. These include:.

Corticosteroids
Lithium
Epinephrine
Beta agonists

Symptoms of high white blood cells

High white blood cells may not cause any symptoms on their own. However, the underlying condition that is causing leukocytosis may cause symptoms such as:.

Fever
Fatigue
Chills
Sweating
Headache
Joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Breathing difficulties
Chest pain

Treatments for high white blood cells

The treatment for high white blood cells depends on the underlying cause. The doctor will first perform tests to determine the cause of leukocytosis. The following are some of the treatments that may be prescribed:.

Antibiotics

If the high white blood cells are caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The course of antibiotics may last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the infection.

Antivirals

If the high white blood cells are caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications may be prescribed. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the infection.

Corticosteroids

If the high white blood cells are caused by inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed. Corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Chemotherapy

If the high white blood cells are caused by cancer, chemotherapy may be prescribed. Chemotherapy can kill cancer cells and reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood.

Blood transfusion

If the high white blood cells are causing other problems such as clotting or bleeding disorders, a blood transfusion may be necessary. This can help replace the white blood cells with healthy ones.

Conclusion

High white blood cells or leukocytosis is a condition that can be caused by various factors such as infections, inflammation, stress, and medications.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of leukocytosis such as fever, fatigue, or breathing difficulties. The treatment for leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause, and the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or blood transfusion.

With proper treatment, the underlying condition can be resolved, and the white blood cell count can return to normal.