Causes of High White Blood Cell Count
During pregnancy, white blood cells increase from eight to forty weeks gestation and peak around week 32. If elevation is accompanied by any sign of infection or medical condition, further testing and evaluation are required. Specific causes include bacterial or viral infections, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, certain medications, severe allergic reactions, and even severe stress. Blood cancers overproduce abnormal white blood cells causing susceptibility to infections and impaired healing. Sometimes, a high white blood cell count accompanies anemia due to bone marrow disease.
Identification and Treatment
A high white cell count is identified in a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your doctor may order a CBC to check for anemia or infection. Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of a high white blood cell count. With an infectious cause, the white blood cell count returns to normal once the infection clears. When a high white cell count is caused by an infection that is resolving on its own, no medical intervention is needed beyond symptomatic treatment. Your healthcare provider may suggest ways to relieve the symptoms of the underlying condition causing the elevated white cell count.
Alarming White Blood Cell Count
Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of a high white blood cell count. Infection-causing bacteria or viruses multiply in the blood, prompting bone marrow to produce more white blood cells to fight infection. White blood cells defend the body against infections by identifying and neutralizing harmful pathogens. In addition to infections, other conditions like inflammation, stress, pregnancy, and diseases such as leukemia or arthritis can also lead to high white blood cell counts.