These cells help fight infection, aid in healing from trauma, and assist in recovery from disease.
See your healthcare provider for specifics regarding your condition.
A higher-than-normal number of white blood cells is calledleukocytosis.

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When white blood cells are active, they can have several effects.
Medications known to increase the WBC count includecorticosteroids, lithium,colony-stimulating factors,beta-agonists, and epinephrine.
In pregnancy, there will likely be no symptoms at all.

Sometimes, a high white blood cell count is accompanied byanemia(a low red blood cell count).
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a High WBC Count?
A high white cell count is identified in a blood test called acomplete blood count (CBC).
What Is a Normal WBC Count?
And some types of cancer can cause excess white blood cells that have an unusual microscopic appearance.
What Is a Dangerous WBC Count?
Your white blood cells can temporarily increase while you are recovering from an illness.
A CBC can measure your white blood cell count.
Medications can treat the underlying condition that is causing the elevated white blood cell count.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
It is the underlying disease or condition causing the high WBC that produces symptoms.
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MedlinePlus.White blood cell count.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Leukemia-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): symptoms and signs.