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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Increased WBC Count Indicate?

After a blood test, Doctors say my level of white blood cells is high, everything else is normal. It s been high for more than a year now. Myself, I feel quite ok. What could the cause and how to deal with it? They want to do further test to determine whether it s a chronic viral infection. What would that mean?
Tue, 31 Mar 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

an increased WBC count usually signifies infection but it may be caused by various conditions, including rheumatologic diseases, cancer, hematologic disorders and even smoking just before the blood was drawn. It depends on how high it is and also on the type of WBC that is increased. The WBC consist of the polymorphonuclear (PMN), lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Infections with high WBC counts, usually present with a high PMN count.

More investigation is needed to find out the actual cause though. The medical history is very important. Do you have symptoms?

Having a high WBC count for more than one year, cannot be attributed to viruses, except if you happened to have a new viral infection every time you did a blood test!

I hope I've helped!
Contact me again with more details, if you'd like a more specific answer.

Kind Regards!
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What Does Increased WBC Count Indicate?

Hello, an increased WBC count usually signifies infection but it may be caused by various conditions, including rheumatologic diseases, cancer, hematologic disorders and even smoking just before the blood was drawn. It depends on how high it is and also on the type of WBC that is increased. The WBC consist of the polymorphonuclear (PMN), lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Infections with high WBC counts, usually present with a high PMN count. More investigation is needed to find out the actual cause though. The medical history is very important. Do you have symptoms? Having a high WBC count for more than one year, cannot be attributed to viruses, except if you happened to have a new viral infection every time you did a blood test! I hope I ve helped! Contact me again with more details, if you d like a more specific answer. Kind Regards!