White blood cells increase primarily to combat infections and diseases in the body. When the body detects harmful invaders, it ramps up white blood cell production to fight them off.
Understanding the Role of White Blood Cells
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system. Their primary function is to:
- Identify and destroy pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Produce antibodies to neutralize foreign substances.
- Help the body recover from illness and injury.
Reasons for Increased White Blood Cell Count
According to the provided reference, when you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This is the most common reason for an elevated white blood cell count. Here are some specific reasons:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections trigger the immune system.
- Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can raise white blood cell levels.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause an increase in certain types of white blood cells.
- Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can temporarily elevate white blood cell counts.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can stimulate white blood cell production.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as leukemia or other blood disorders can lead to significantly elevated white blood cell counts.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a temporary increase in white blood cells is often a normal response to infection, a persistently high or very high white blood cell count warrants medical evaluation. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
