Does heatstroke cause an increase in white blood cells?
Jul 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, if the heatstroke is mild, white blood cells typically do not increase; however, if the heatstroke is severe, white blood cell levels may rise. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to closely monitor your physical condition and seek medical evaluation at a reputable hospital when necessary. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is advised to promptly move to a cool, well-ventilated environment when symptoms of heatstroke appear.
Generally, in cases of mild heatstroke, white blood cell count typically does not increase; however, in severe heatstroke, the white blood cell count may rise. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to closely monitor your health condition and seek medical evaluation at a正规 hospital when necessary. Detailed explanation is as follows:
During mild heatstroke, white blood cell levels usually remain within the normal range. Mild heatstroke mainly involves temporary heat dissipation difficulties when the body is exposed to a high-temperature environment, manifesting as mild symptoms such as dizziness, thirst, and excessive sweating. At this time, the body's stress response is relatively mild, the immune system is not significantly activated, and there is no notable inflammatory response or tissue damage. As an important component of the immune system, white blood cell count does not fluctuate due to such mild physiological regulation abnormalities, so the white blood cell count generally remains normal during routine blood tests.
In severe heatstroke, white blood cell count may increase. Severe heatstroke can cause a sharp rise in core body temperature, triggering systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Additionally, high temperatures may damage tissues and organs, such as gastrointestinal mucosal injury and rhabdomyolysis. To cope with this serious pathological condition, the immune system becomes highly activated, and the bone marrow releases more white blood cells into the bloodstream to combat inflammation and repair tissue damage, leading to an elevated white blood cell count. Moreover, severe heatstroke may be accompanied by complications such as infections, which can further stimulate an increase in white blood cell count.
To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is recommended that when symptoms of heatstroke occur, you should promptly move to a cool, well-ventilated environment and adequately replenish fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, while undergoing medication treatment, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is also important to promote recovery.
