Why wbc high

While symptoms will depend on the cause of the high white blood cell count, fluctuations in white blood cell count may not cause any symptoms.

Read the article in Spanish. What are red blood cell disorders? Read on to learn more about these conditions, including the different types and examples of RBC disorders. For some types of blood tests, a person may need to fast beforehand. In this article, learn about fasting for blood tests.

Troponin levels in the blood are usually very low and only increase if the heart becomes damaged. Very high levels usually indicate that a person has…. What are coagulation disorders? Read on to learn more about these conditions, including the different types, causes, and treatments. Poikilocytosis refers to an unusual blood cell morphology. Learn more about it, including the causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options.

What to know about high white blood cell count Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Types Causes Other imbalances Symptoms and diagnosis Summary White blood cells are vital components of the blood. Other imbalances. Symptoms and diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Related Coverage. What to know about red blood cell disorders. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Cerny J, et al. Why does my patient have leukocytosis?

Hematology Oncology Clinics of North America. McPherson RA, et al. Leukocytic disorders. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Oct. See also Pediatric white blood cell disorders. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. It begins producing extra white blood cells to fight the infection.

Because infection can also lead to inflammation and white cells are produced in response to this, the inflammatory response itself can also be associated with an increase in white blood cell count.

Overall, the most common cause for a high white blood cell count is response to infection. Another potential cause of an elevated white blood cell count is leukemia. This is effectively a cancerous change of the blood and bone marrow which causes significant overproduction of white blood cells. As the lungs and airways become more inflamed, the body creates more white blood cells in response. Raised white blood cell count is itself asymptomatic and therefore any associated features, if present, will typically be associated with the underlying cause.

For example, a leukocytosis caused by leukemia may be accompanied by fatigue, general malaise and easy bruising.