Is A High WBC Count Something Serious?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My sister has an 18.8 WBC COUNT, is that bad?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is unfortunately, high.

There are a number of different possible elevated WBC eg- (1) infection- this is the most common cause and usually treatable with medication

The diagnosis of the exact infection, if one is present, would depend on the symptoms that are present.

(2)inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis ,lupus and other autoimmune conditions

(3)side effect of medication

(4)severe allergic reaction

(5)leukemia or lymphoma

In some cases, the exact cause is not known.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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