High white blood cell count

What causes a high white blood cell count?

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Answer

White blood cells (leukocytes) help fight infection in your body. A normal white blood cell count is between 4,500 and 10,000 cells per microliter. A high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) isn't a specific disease. But it may indicate an underlying problem that requires medical evaluation. Causes of a high white blood cell count include:

• Infection
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs
• Severe physical or emotional stress
• Chronic bone marrow diseases such as a myeloproliferative disorder
• Acute or chronic leukemia
• Tissue damage, such as from burns

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