High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?

Last October, during the school health check-up, my white blood cell count was elevated?

Hello Doctor, during my health check-up last October, my white blood cell count was elevated to 18,000.
I had a fever and cold in September but did not seek medical attention and just rested.
Could this be the reason? At that time, I didn't think much of the report, but I've been a bit concerned lately, even though I have no physical discomfort.
I recently had an ultrasound in the gastroenterology department, and everything appeared normal.
Should I seek further evaluation immediately, or is there likely no major issue? Additionally, what are some reasons that could cause a white blood cell count to rise to 18,000?

Qing, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/31

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, white blood cells are an indicator of inflammation, and they will increase whenever there is inflammation in the body.
The most common cause is infection, such as a cold, which can lead to an elevation in white blood cell count.
Other common causes include dehydration, heatstroke, injury, and diarrhea, all of which can also cause an increase.
Based on your description, it is likely caused by a cold.
You should check for any other symptoms, such as unusual lumps or abnormal pain.
If there are none, you can wait for your next physical examination to monitor the white blood cell count.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/08/31

More Info

High white blood cell (WBC) counts can indeed raise concerns, but the context in which they occur is crucial for understanding their significance. A WBC count of 18,000 is elevated, as the normal range is typically between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. However, it is essential to consider various factors that could contribute to this elevation.

In your case, you mentioned that you had a fever and cold symptoms in September, which could explain the temporary increase in your WBC count. The body often responds to infections, inflammation, or stress by producing more white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off pathogens. This is a normal physiological response. If your elevated WBC count was a result of a recent infection, it is possible that it has returned to normal levels since then, especially if you are currently asymptomatic.

There are several potential causes for an elevated WBC count, including:
1. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to increased WBC production as the body attempts to combat the invading pathogens.

2. Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can cause elevated WBC counts due to ongoing inflammation.

3. Stress Responses: Physical or emotional stress can lead to temporary increases in WBC counts.

4. Allergic Reactions: Allergies can trigger an increase in certain types of white blood cells, particularly eosinophils.

5. Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes can lead to persistently high WBC counts, but these are typically accompanied by other abnormal blood findings.

6. Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase WBC counts.

Given that you have undergone an ultrasound of your abdomen and found no abnormalities, it is reassuring. However, if your elevated WBC count persists or if you develop any new symptoms (such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fatigue), it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

As for whether you should seek immediate medical attention, if you are currently feeling well and have no concerning symptoms, it may not be necessary to rush into further testing. However, it is advisable to have regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your WBC count and any other relevant blood parameters. They may recommend periodic blood tests to track your WBC levels over time, especially if there is a concern about underlying conditions.

In summary, while a high WBC count can be concerning, it is often a temporary response to infection or inflammation. Continuous monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are key to ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly. If you have any doubts or if your condition changes, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?

Doctor, my blood test shows that my white blood cell count is 1 higher than the reference range (4-10). Is this serious? QQ

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello Mr. Chen, there should be no issues; you can observe your condition for now. If you experience any discomfort, you can visit the Infectious Disease or Hematology department for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns

I have a friend who often experiences difficulty breathing and severe headaches. Blood test results show elevated white blood cell counts. We are unsure about the underlying issue. Could this be serious? I would appreciate any insights from doctors regarding this matter. Thank yo...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Possible causes of leukocytosis include: 1. Infections that trigger an increase in white blood cell production, such as pneumonia. 2. Abnormal hematopoietic function in the bone marrow leading to elevated white blood cell counts. In the second case, the white blood cell count oft...

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention

The examination report shows a white blood cell count of 11.33, indicating leukocytosis. Should I seek medical attention for this? I'm feeling quite anxious right now.

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, if you have no discomfort, you can simply observe. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Managing High White Blood Cell Count: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Hello Doctor: May I ask what foods should be avoided if there is an abnormal increase in white blood cells? What types of foods should be supplemented? Are there any other aspects that need attention? Thank you, Doctor!

Dr. Tang Jieru reply Cardiology
Hello, Ah Sheng: White blood cells are normal cells in the body that help defend against foreign bacteria. When white blood cell counts are elevated, it indicates that your body is under attack from external bacteria (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin wounds, etc....