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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffA high white blood cell count usually indicates:
- An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection
- A reaction to a drug that enhances white blood cell production
- A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells
- An immune system disorder that increases white blood cell production
Specific causes of high white blood cell count include:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Allergy, especially severe allergic reactions
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Drugs, such as corticosteroids and epinephrine
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Measles
- Myelofibrosis
- Other bacterial infections
- Other viral infections
- Polycythemia vera
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Smoking
- Stress, such as severe emotional or physical stress
- Tissue damage, such as from burns
- Tuberculosis
- Whooping cough
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
