The increase in white blood cells (or leukocytosis) could be for various reasons. It is not at all pleasant to learn that the test values are not normal, but the doctor can help you identify the cause. Tell him about your symptoms and ask him if he can order additional diagnostic tests. Leukocytosis is caused by several factors, so the search for the best therapy depends on the problem that is at the origin of this alteration.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing the Underlying Cause
Step 1. Run the white blood cell count
If it is greater than 11,000 per microliter of blood, it is high. However, there are many causes, and a slightly high value is usually not a cause for concern.
- Around 30,000, it can be due to physical stress, injuries, allergic reactions, infections, or taking medications. For example, you may have the flu.
- Between 50,000 and 100,000, it indicates a severe infection, such as late-stage pneumonia. If the patient has undergone an organ transplant, it could indicate rejection. Furthermore, leukocytosis is a symptom of some cancers, cancerous or benign.
- Over 100,000, it indicates a rather serious health problem that needs to be diagnosed by your doctor. This could be severe bronchitis or, in rare cases, leukemia.
- Many pregnant women have a white blood cell count of nearly 15,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood in the third trimester and postpartum, but this is normal.
Step 2. Do a complete blood count
To get an accurate diagnosis, you need to have a complete blood count. If it reveals that your white blood cell count has returned to normal, you are in perfect health. If it is still high after several days, further investigation will be needed.
- Depending on the results of the first exam and your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe a complete blood count after a few days or a couple of weeks.
- He may also prescribe the blood smear for microscopic analysis. It indicates the stage of maturation of the white blood cells, any abnormalities or other characteristics that can help make an accurate diagnosis.
Step 3. Tell your doctor about any symptoms
Fever and cough are obvious signs of infection. In these cases, he will prescribe a sputum culture test to identify the pathogen. Since irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can increase your white blood cell count, tell them if you have digestive problems or joint pain. Also, let him know of other symptoms, including night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, bruising, or bleeding, to make a definitive diagnosis.
Leukocytosis is asymptomatic. Any symptoms that occur are due to an underlying cause and can help the doctor identify the treatment to follow
Step 4. Tell him about the medications you are taking and your lifestyle
Corticosteroids, lithium, and other medicines can increase the number of white blood cells in the blood, so tell your doctor about your medication. Smoking can also be the cause of leukocytosis, as can intense physical activity, overexertion and physical stress.
Tell him honestly what kind of life you lead. His job is to help you, so don't be afraid of being judged
Step 5. Find out which type of white blood cell has a high index
There are 5 types of white blood cells, and when a group increases it can indicate particular health problems. For example, two types of leukocytosis are less common and usually result from asthma or allergic reactions.
Your doctor may recommend that you visit a specialist or undergo allergy tests. The allergist will help you avoid certain allergens or prescribe a suitable medication
Part 2 of 3: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Stop smoking
In addition to providing numerous health benefits, choosing to quit smoking will allow you to bring your white blood cell count back to normal. Ask your doctor to help you choose a nicotine detox plan.
Step 2. Try to reduce stress
If you have just emerged from a temporary stressful situation, your white blood cells should return to normal within a few hours or a few days. However, prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, so try to relax.
- Avoid making too many commitments and don't be mortified if you have to express a denial.
- When you feel stressed, try meditating, listening to some soothing music, or breathing slowly for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3. Cool down after a hard workout
If you were exercising shortly before your blood tests, it is likely that your white blood cell count was affected by physical activity. Strenuous training, intense sport, and other forms of exercise that require some effort can increase the number of white blood cells by 200-300%. Usually, it drops rapidly within a few hours.
- There is no evidence that such changes in white blood cell counts are dangerous, but 15 minutes of active recovery after strenuous exercise can limit the spikes.
- Active recovery is a less intense exercise that helps you cool down, like brisk walking after a fast run.
Step 4. Try to lose weight
Leukocytosis can be linked to obesity as excessive weight gain causes widespread inflammation in the body, which increases white blood cell levels. Therefore, by losing weight, you can alleviate the inflammatory processes in the body and bring down high blood values. By eating healthily and practicing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, you will be able to shed the extra pounds.
Step 5. Do not discontinue or replace medications without medical advice
If you can rule out other causes and the drug therapy is working, your doctor will advise against changing it.
- In some cases, it can be difficult to find a good drug and determine the right dosage, so an alternative with fewer side effects may not necessarily be an effective choice.
- Do not stop taking medications without your doctor's consent.
Part 3 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Treat any viral, bacterial or fungal infections
If a culture or other test has revealed an infection, your doctor will likely prescribe an antiviral drug or antibiotic. Get it following its instructions. Check back if you don't improve after a few days.
Step 2. See a specialist to treat arthritis or a digestive problem
If your primary care physician suspects leukocytosis is due to arthritis or a digestive disorder, they will recommend a visit to a specialist. The latter will prescribe medications or dietary changes to help you manage the underlying condition.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you need to undergo any other investigations to detect malignancies
If your white blood cell count is above 100,000, they may recommend additional tests, such as a blood smear or bone marrow test.
Step 4. See a specialist to develop a treatment plan if needed
In the rare event that you are diagnosed with cancer, a team of doctors will be ready to come up with a treatment plan. It is disheartening to be diagnosed with leukemia, but it is a disease that can be treated. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment.
