What causes an elevated white blood cell count?
Disease description:
During a physical examination, an elevated white blood cell count was discovered. What exactly does this mean? What are the causes of an elevated white blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Elevated white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis, is commonly caused by:
1. Blood disorders: Such as leukemia, myeloproliferative diseases, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma, which can all cause abnormal white blood cell counts.
2. Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can increase white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils, as the body produces more white blood cells to fight the infection.
3. Stress response: Severe trauma, major surgery, or extensive burns can cause increases in white blood cells and neutrophils.
4. Tumors: Conditions such as gastric cancer and liver cancer may lead to elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts.
5. Allergic diseases: Parasitic diseases and immune system disorders, such as bronchial asthma, drug allergies, urticaria, schistosomiasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, can all potentially cause elevated white blood cell counts.
6. Lifestyle factors: Intense physical activity or after a hot shower, neutrophils and white blood cells may temporarily increase.
7. Environmental factors: Exposure to extreme heat or cold may also cause elevated white blood cell counts.
8. Population factors: Pregnancy can also lead to increased neutrophils along with elevated white blood cell counts.
An elevated white blood cell count should be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms, physical signs, and relevant test results. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
