What Causes High WBC Count?

Posted on Wed, 29 Oct 2014

Question: Can a high WBC be from an infection without a fever?

All my results are 10*3/uL:

WBC 23.6
Abs Neut count 12.27
Abs Lymph Count 9.12
Abs Baso Count .12
Abs Eos Count .54
Abs ImmaGran Count .17
Abs Mono Count 1.36

All are elevated but most concerned about total WBC and lymphocytes?? I am scheduled to have my adenoids removed (again) and I am 43 yrs old. I do have multiple sclerosis but have not had issues with WBC until July of this year and it has gotten a little worse each check...

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
High WBC count may be due to many reasons.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

High WBC count may be due to many reasons.It may or may not be associated with infection.Also infection without fever is possible in cases with elevated WBC count.
Your lymphocyte count is also raised.It is important to know about history of allergy.Your findings may be related to allergy.
Allergy may be associated with superadded infection.
Please let me know the reason for adenoidectomy(removal of adenoid).Do you have allergy symptoms?

It is necessary to investigate underlying cause of elevated WBC count.You need proper evaluation.
Chest X-ray (PA) and ultrasound of abdomen should also be done.
Proper treatment depend upon findings.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (6 minutes later)

No allergy symptoms...i experienced hearing loss in my right ear over a 6 month span and ENT is hoping that removal of enlarged adenoids may help...no sinus infection. I do have sleep apnea and started snoring about 6 years ago so i am hoping this may also help...i am nervous that biopsy of adenoids may come bad bad, surgery is scheduled for the 15th they want another CBC before clearing me for surgery...

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

As you don't have any symptoms,there is nothing to be worried.
Before operation,you are rightly suggested for repeat count.
If count level persists then you should be investigated properly.
You don't worry.Adenoid operation is not a very complex operation.Hope your hearing problem will improve after operation.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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