How do you feel when your white blood cells are high?

According to Mayo Clinic, a high white blood cell count is often not a disease in itself, but rather a sign that your immune system is working to fight an underlying issue. Understanding how do you feel when your white blood cells are high requires focusing on the cause, not the count itself.

Quick Summary

Symptoms associated with an elevated white blood cell count, known as leukocytosis, are actually from the underlying illness, such as infection or inflammation, and may include fever, fatigue, and pain.

Key Points

• Underlying Cause, Not the Count: The symptoms you experience when your white blood cells are high are caused by the infection or inflammation, not the elevated WBC count itself.

• Common Symptoms: Expect to feel feverish, fatigued, and achy, as these are typical signs of your body fighting off an illness.

• Different WBC Types, Different Causes: The specific type of white blood cell that is elevated can provide clues about the underlying cause, whether it's a bacterial infection, allergies, or a viral illness.

• Diagnosis is Key: A simple Complete Blood Count (CBC) with a differential is the standard test to diagnose leukocytosis and guide your doctor in finding the root cause.

• Know When to See a Doctor: While often temporary, persistent or severe symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.

What is a High White Blood Cell Count (Leukocytosis)?

Your body's immune system relies on white blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, to fight off infections, germs, and foreign invaders. Leukocytosis is the medical term for having a higher-than-normal number of WBCs in your blood. A standard blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is what detects this elevation. Instead of viewing leukocytosis as an isolated condition, it's more helpful to think of it as an immune response to a problem in your body.

There are five main types of white blood cells, and the specific type that is elevated can offer clues to the underlying cause:

• Neutrophils: Most common type, often elevated during bacterial infections.
• Lymphocytes: Increased with viral infections, but also seen in some cancers like leukemia.
• Eosinophils: Rise in response to allergies, asthma, or parasitic infections.
• Monocytes: Often elevated with chronic infections or autoimmune diseases.
• Basophils: Least common, but their increase can signal allergies or bone marrow disorders.

The Symptoms You Feel Are from the Underlying Cause

It is a crucial point that a high white blood cell count by itself does not cause noticeable symptoms. The discomfort, fatigue, or other signs you experience are a direct result of the condition that prompted your immune system to produce more white blood cells. This is why a doctor will focus on identifying the root cause rather than simply treating the WBC count itself.

Common Symptoms Linked to High WBC Causes

Your body's inflammatory response to an infection or other issue is the source of many symptoms. Below are common feelings and signs that may accompany an elevated white blood cell count:

General Signs of Infection and Inflammation

• Fever and Chills: Your body raises its temperature to make it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive.
• Fatigue and Weakness: The immense energy your body uses to fight off an infection can leave you feeling drained and tired.
• Body Aches and Pain: Inflammation can cause a general feeling of soreness and muscle aches throughout your body.
• Loss of Appetite: It's common to lose your appetite when your body is sick, as energy is redirected towards healing.
• Sweating: This can be a response to the body regulating its temperature, especially during fever. Night sweats can be a particular concern and should be monitored.

Symptoms of Specific Issues

• Respiratory Problems: If the cause is a respiratory infection or allergy, you may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent cough.
• Skin Issues: Rashes, hives, or an itchy skin reaction can point to allergies or a specific infection.
• Swelling: Localized swelling, pain, warmth, and redness can occur around an area of infection or joint inflammation.
• Unintended Weight Loss: This is a more serious symptom that may be associated with chronic inflammation, stress, or a more serious underlying condition.

Understanding Different Causes and Their Symptoms

Understanding the potential source of your leukocytosis can be helpful. The table below compares symptoms often seen with different underlying causes. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Underlying Cause	Common Symptoms	Severity	Associated Issues
Infection (Bacterial/Viral)	Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, swollen glands, cough, sore throat	Varies (mild to severe)	Pneumonia, strep throat, flu, mononucleosis
Inflammatory Conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis)	Joint pain, swelling, chronic fatigue, stiffness	Chronic	Autoimmune diseases
Allergic Reactions	Skin rash, hives, itching, wheezing, runny nose	Acute or chronic	Asthma, severe allergies
Physical/Emotional Stress	Temporary spike in WBC count, no specific symptoms from the count itself	Temporary	Injury, intense exercise, anxiety
Certain Medications (e.g., Corticosteroids)	Can raise WBC count without other symptoms	Dependent on medication	Medication side effect

When to Seek Medical Attention

While a high WBC count is often temporary and related to a routine illness, certain signs should prompt a visit to your doctor. It's crucial to seek professional medical advice if you experience any of the following:

1. Persistent or unexplained fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
2. Symptoms that worsen or don't improve with time.
3. Soaking night sweats on a regular basis.
4. Any sign of infection that won't heal, such as a wound with pus or swelling.
5. Unusual bleeding or bruising.
6. Signs of hyperviscosity syndrome (in very rare and extreme cases), such as stroke symptoms (facial drooping, confusion, dizziness), vision problems, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Your healthcare provider may perform a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential to analyze the specific types of white blood cells. This, along with a physical exam and other tests, can help pinpoint the root cause of your elevated count and determine the best course of treatment.

How is a High WBC Count Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis is typically straightforward and starts with a simple blood test. Your doctor will likely order a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with a differential. This test not only measures the total number of WBCs but also breaks down the count for each of the five types. The results, combined with your reported symptoms and medical history, allow a doctor to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy or other specialized tests might be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, especially if a serious condition is suspected.

Treatment for a high white blood cell count is entirely dependent on the underlying issue. For an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. For inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications may help. In more serious cases, such as leukemia, specialized treatments like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants may be required. In less severe instances, like a temporary spike due to stress, no treatment may be needed beyond managing the stress itself.

Understanding the Prognosis

For many, a high WBC count is a temporary marker of a successful immune response and resolves once the underlying issue is treated. It's important to remember that most cases of leukocytosis are not serious. However, for those with chronic conditions or malignancies, monitoring and managing the underlying disease is crucial. Regular communication with your healthcare provider and adherence to their treatment plan are the most important steps in managing any condition causing an elevated white blood cell count. For more information on what a CBC test entails, you can visit the MedlinePlus: White Blood Count Test.

Conclusion

In summary, the way you feel when your white blood cells are high is not from the increased count itself, but rather from the underlying condition driving that increase. Symptoms like fever, fatigue, and body aches are your body's immune system at work. Recognizing these signs and seeking medical advice when they are persistent or severe is the best course of action. This allows for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the root cause, bringing your WBC count and your health back to a normal state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a high white blood cell count always mean I have a serious illness?

No, a high white blood cell (WBC) count is a normal immune response to many common issues, such as a temporary infection, injury, or even stress. While it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, it is far more often a temporary reaction to a minor illness.

Can allergies cause my white blood cells to be high?

Yes, allergic reactions and chronic allergic conditions like asthma can cause an increase in a specific type of WBC called eosinophils. This is a common and often normal part of your body's allergic response.

What kind of infection makes white blood cells high?

Both bacterial and viral infections are common causes of a high white blood cell count. Bacterial infections often increase neutrophils, while viral infections tend to increase lymphocytes. Examples include pneumonia, influenza, and strep throat.

How is a high WBC count treated?

The treatment for a high WBC count depends entirely on the underlying cause. Your doctor will address the root issue, which may involve antibiotics for a bacterial infection, anti-inflammatory medications for an inflammatory condition, or stress reduction techniques if stress is the cause.

Is it possible to feel no symptoms with a high white blood cell count?

Yes, it is possible. If the cause is a minor stressor, a medication reaction, or a very early-stage issue, the count may be elevated without causing any noticeable symptoms. This is why a CBC is often part of routine health screenings.

Can smoking cause a high white blood cell count?

Yes, chronic smoking is a known cause of elevated white blood cell counts. The constant inflammation in the body from tobacco use can lead to a persistent rise in WBC levels, which can be monitored over time.

Should I be concerned about night sweats and a high WBC count?

While night sweats can sometimes occur with common infections, persistent, soaking night sweats in combination with other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fatigue should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.