Can Costochrondritis Cause Elevated White Blood Cell Count?

Posted on Mon, 19 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 Answered on

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Can costochrondritis cause elevated white blood cell count? My doctor said my level was 15 compared to the norm of 4-11. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (8 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

Costochondritis does not usually lead to elevated white blood cell count. It is an inflammatory condition, leading to pain in the chest wall, and tenderness on pressure. Treatment requires use of analgesics such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.

Regarding your elevated white blood cell count, there is no need to worry. However, you need to watch for any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, burning while passing urine, etc. If none of these are present, there is no need of any further action.

Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar