Treatment for high white blood cell counts (leukocytosis) depends entirely on the underlying cause. There isn't one single treatment. The doctor will first determine why the white blood cell count is elevated before recommending a course of action.
Identifying the Cause
A high white blood cell count can indicate various conditions, ranging from simple infections to serious diseases like leukemia. Therefore, diagnosis is crucial. Your doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and order additional tests to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment Approaches
Once the cause is identified, treatment will target that specific condition. Examples include:
- Infections: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and antifungals for fungal infections.
- Autoimmune Diseases or Inflammatory Disorders: Steroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Stress or Anxiety: Medications to manage stress and anxiety may be prescribed. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
- Asthma: Inhalers to manage asthma symptoms. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
- Leukemia: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplants, among other approaches. [Source: Cancer Research UK]
- Polycythemia Vera (rare blood cancer): Hydroxyurea to slow down the production of blood cells. [Source: Cleveland Clinic] Note: This is for high red blood cell count, but illustrates the targeted approach.
Leukapheresis: A Specific Treatment
In certain cases, particularly with high white blood cell counts related to leukemia, leukapheresis may be used. Leukapheresis is a procedure that filters the blood to remove excess white blood cells. [Source: Cancer Research UK, Cleveland Clinic] This is not a treatment for the underlying cause but manages the high white blood cell count itself.
Importance of Addressing the Root Cause
It's vital to remember that simply lowering the white blood cell count isn't the goal; addressing the underlying medical condition causing the elevated count is paramount. Treatment success relies on accurately identifying and treating the root cause.
