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• Method 1 of 3: Diagnose the underlying cause
• Method 2 of 3: Adjust your lifestyle
• Method 3 of 3: Get medical treatment

A too high number of white blood cells can have various causes. Being told that the result of a test is abnormal can feel scary, but your doctor can help you determine the cause. Notify your doctor of any related symptoms and conduct further diagnostic tests. A high level of white blood cells can be caused by a variety of factors, so finding the exact solution depends on the underlying cause.

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Method 1 of 3: Diagnose the underlying cause

1. Have the specific number of white blood cells determined. More than 11,000 white blood cells per microliter is considered high. However, there are many possible causes and slightly higher values ​​are usually not a cause for concern.
   • Values ​​around 30,000 can be caused by physical stress, injuries, allergic reactions, infections or medication. For example when you have the flu.
   • Values ​​between 50,000 and 100,000 usually indicate a serious infection, such as advanced pneumonia. In someone who has had an organ transplant, this may indicate rejection of the organ. In addition, some tumors can increase the number of white blood cells and these can be both benign and malignant.
   • Values ​​above 100,000 usually indicate an even more serious condition that your doctor will need to diagnose. This can range from severe bronchitis to leukemia (in rare cases).
   • Many pregnant women have white blood cell levels of up to 15,000 in the third trimester and after delivery. This can be normal.
2. Have the values ​​of your white blood cells determined again. The first step towards an accurate diagnosis is to have your white blood cell counts read again. If the second test shows that the values ​​are back to normal, your doctor may conclude that you are healthy. However, if the values ​​are still high after a few days, then additional testing will be required.
   • Depending on your values ​​and symptoms, your doctor will schedule another test in a few days or weeks.
   • Your doctor may also order a Pap smear, which involves examining a blood sample under a microscope. A Pap test will reveal whether white blood cell levels are low or abnormal, or whether there are other features that allow a more accurate diagnosis.
3. Notify your doctor of any related symptoms. Symptoms such as fever and cough are clear indications of an infection, and your doctor may order sputum cultures to identify a specific pathogen. Irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can cause high levels of white blood cells, so let your doctor know if you have digestive problems or joint pain. In addition, your doctor needs to know if you are experiencing symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue, weight loss and bleeding or bruising easily so that a definitive diagnosis can be made.
   • High levels of white blood cells in themselves do not cause any symptoms. Any symptoms you are experiencing are related to an underlying cause and your doctor can help diagnose them.
4. Discuss the medications you are taking and your lifestyle. Corticosteroids, lithium, and other prescription drugs can increase white blood cell levels, so tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Smoking can also sometimes cause high levels of white blood cells. Intensive sports, overload and physical stress are other possible causes.
   • Be honest with your doctor when talking about your lifestyle. He or she just wants to help you, so don't worry about being judged.
5. Ask your doctor exactly which values ​​are that high. There are 5 different types and these specific types can cause specific conditions. For example, there are two types of which the values ​​are only very rarely too high and usually as a result of allergic reactions or asthma.
   • Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or recommend an allergy test. A specialist can help you avoid allergens or prescribe an allergy medication.

Method 2 of 3: Adjust your lifestyle

1. Stop smoking. In addition to many other health benefits, quitting smoking will stabilize the levels of your white blood cells. Ask your doctor for advice so you can make a smoking cessation plan.
2. Do your best to reduce stress. If you have recently been through a stressful period, your white blood cell levels should stabilize after a few hours or days. Long-term stress, however, can weaken your immune system, so try to live life as lightly as possible.
   • Try not to overload yourself or feel bad when you have to say no to something.
   • When you are stressed, you can try meditating, listening to relaxing music, or breathing slowly for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Opt for some light exercise after a hard workout. If you exercised right before your blood test, your high white blood cell counts will likely be due to it. A hard workout and other demanding forms of exercise can increase the levels of your white blood cells by 200 to 300 percent. These values ​​will usually start to fall again after a few hours.
   • There is no evidence that these changes in white blood cell levels are dangerous, but 15 minutes of active recovery after vigorous exercise can help counteract major fluctuations.
   • Active recovery is a less intensive exercise to cool down, such as a brisk walk or a fast jog.
4. Try some to lose weight. High levels of white blood cells may be related to obesity. This is because obesity causes inflammation throughout the body, causing the levels of white blood cells to rise. Losing weight can decrease inflammation in your body, which will cause white blood cell levels to drop as well. Eating a healthy diet and exercising at least 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight.
5. Consult your doctor about stopping or switching medications. If you can rule out other causes and the medication is working, your doctor probably won't recommend making any adjustments.
   • For some drugs it can be difficult to find the right type and the perfect dosage, so an alternative with fewer side effects is not always an effective option.
   • Never stop taking prescription drugs without your doctor's approval.

Method 3 of 3: Get medical treatment

1. Treat any viral, bacterial or fungal infections. If a culture or other test indicates infection, your doctor will likely recommend antiviral or antibiotic medications. Take these medications and follow the instructions carefully. Schedule a follow-up consultation if you don't feel better after a few days.
2. Consult a specialist to treat digestive problems or arthritis. If your doctor believes that your high white blood cell counts are related to digestive problems or arthritis, you will likely be referred to an appropriate specialist. Your specialist will recommend medication or dietary changes so that the underlying cause can be addressed.
3. Ask your doctor if it is recommended to have additional tests. Your doctor may recommend more testing if your readings are over 100,000. This can be a bone marrow test or a blood smear.
4. If necessary, work with a specialist to develop a treatment plan. In the rare cases where you have cancer, a team of doctors will create a treatment plan. The diagnosis of leukemia is terrifying, but it can be treated. Your doctor will advise you on which treatment is right for you.