What does an elevated absolute neutrophil count mean?
Disease description:
Last week when I went to the hospital for a physical examination, the report showed that my absolute neutrophil count was high. However, I haven't felt any discomfort in my body. I would like to consult with a doctor regarding what it means when the absolute neutrophil count is elevated.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
An elevated absolute neutrophil count typically indicates an increased number of neutrophils in the bloodstream, exceeding the normal range (generally 2.5-7.5×10^9/L). This phenomenon may be caused by various factors, including:
1. **Infectious diseases**: Such as bacterial or fungal infections, which often lead to increased neutrophil counts in response to pathogens.
2. **Tissue injury or necrosis**: Such as severe trauma, surgical injury, or myocardial infarction; these stress conditions can also cause reactive increases in neutrophil levels.
3. **Hematologic disorders**: Such as leukemia or myeloproliferative diseases, which can result in abnormal increases in white blood cells, including neutrophils.
4. **Medications or physiological factors**: Such as the use of certain drugs (e.g., glucocorticoids) or physiological states like pregnancy or intense physical exercise, which may cause transient increases in neutrophil counts.
