High white blood cell or eosinophil count

Overview

A very high count, or abnormal-looking cells, needs a blood specialist.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• High white blood cell count

Less common

• Usually no symptoms
• Fever

Look up a symptom: Itching

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection, stress, steroids, smoking.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Steroid use

Diagnosis

Repeat and detailed blood tests.

Questions you may be asked

• Recent illness, steroids, smoking

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood count with differential:
• Blood smear:

Treatment

Treat the cause.

Self-care

• Recheck after an infection clears
• Recheck after an infection clears
• Quit smoking

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a hematologist (blood doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Counts rise normally.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually goes away.

Most high counts are harmless and temporary.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• What's causing it?
• Should I see a blood specialist?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on High white blood cell or eosinophil count