A high white blood cell (WBC) count, medically called leukocytosis, means you have more white blood cells than normal in your blood. White blood cells are crucial components of your immune system that help fight infections and other diseases
. What a high WBC count indicates:
- It often means your body is responding to an infection, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
- It can be a reaction to inflammation, injury, or physical or emotional stress
- Certain medications or treatments can cause an elevated WBC count
- Less commonly, it may indicate more serious conditions like bone marrow diseases or blood cancers such as leukemia
- Other causes include pregnancy, allergic reactions, burns, or autoimmune disorders
Normal and high WBC count ranges:
- Normal WBC count is roughly 4,500 to 11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood, depending on the lab and individual factors
- A count above about 11,000 per microliter is generally considered high
Symptoms and diagnosis:
- A high WBC count itself usually does not cause symptoms.
- Symptoms you experience are typically related to the underlying cause (e.g., fever and fatigue if you have an infection)
- Doctors use a complete blood count (CBC) test to measure WBC levels and may order further tests to determine the cause
Summary: A high white blood cell count means your immune system is active, usually fighting infection or inflammation. While often a normal response, it can sometimes signal more serious health issues requiring medical evaluation and treatment
