Is white blood cell count elevated in appendicitis?
Disease description:
I went to the hospital due to stomach pain, and the doctor said it might be appendicitis. I need to have a routine blood test first to check whether my white blood cell count is high. I'm quite confused—does appendicitis cause elevated white blood cells?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
In appendicitis, white blood cell count is usually elevated. Appendicitis mainly results from malformations of the appendix lumen or infections caused by bacteria, parasites, and other intestinal pathogens, leading to inflammatory changes in the appendix. Blood tests typically reveal a significant increase in white blood cells and neutrophils. Treatment generally requires appropriate use of antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefixime under medical guidance to suppress inflammation and help restore white blood cell levels to normal.
