high white blood cell count

[connie303]

I just had a blood test, and my white blood cell count is 18.2.  what can this be a symton of?  Do I need to take care of this immediately?  I get very tired very quickly and get dizzy if move too fast.

[connie303]

I really appreciate all of time and patience with me to help answer my questions.  Especially, Dr. Vedahar, I thank you for all your knowledge and help. I am scheduled for various test this week.  I will let you all know the out come.

[vedadhar]

Higher Absolute Neutrophil counts in a CBC is sometimes related with bacterial infection which is pyogenic, acute inflammation, Acute MI, infarct, burns,drugs like prednisone, appendicitis spleenctomy, or even stress and nervousness.The normal range is 1500cells per micro liter where your values appears to be around 12500 which may indicate acute inflammation.Single symptom of dizziness and lassitude may favor sinus infection but other conditions like pneumonia may also come in association with it.
So talk to your Doc and undergo a complete health check up and examination or investigations,at least clarify your doubts which has lead to higher ranges.A chest X-ray may be recommended or urine examination ,skull sinus X-ray etc may be done.But first talk to your Doctor and rule out symptoms,he will be able to look into your history and prescribe you correct treatment.
All the best.

[connie303]

Thank you for your help and advice.  In answer to your question, the test was just a yearly exam.  The only symptom I have is tiredness and dizziness some times. Everything else is normal on the test except Neutrophils abs which is 12.5,  units x10^3/uL.    Does that mean anything?

[vedadhar]

Then it is certainly a high count making it 18200/mcL where normal range falls between 4500-10,000.It may indicate infection,inflammation which makes a very long list of differentials.I think you should discuss this with your Doc and start medication immediately to prevent further progression of condition.Different sets of symptoms like cough, fever, lassitude, dizziness, pain, urination problems, diarrhea, undiagnosed symptoms, help to narrow down differentials.
How old are you?What other symptoms do you have besides dizziness? Why was the test done?Reconsider all these with you attending Physician.God Bless.

[bonijokrauss]

A high white cell count is a sign of an infection. Why did you have the blood test in the first place? Isn't the doctor treating you? If you are dizzy, you could have a sinus infection. If it were me, I would go back to the doctor and find out what is causing it. Good luck to you.

[connie303]

Thank you for your quick response.  In the unit column it says  x10^3/uL.
I hope that helps.  This was confirmed by a repeat analysis.  The blood test was for a yearly check up.

[vedadhar]

Your units for 18.2 WBC count should be like 18.2/mm3 (Normal Range)or 18.2x10power 6 or 9/L(High count)So please mention the units that came with the report.
Higher counts of WBC may indicate infection,inflammation or even cancer in a generalized initial diagnosis.So mention more symptoms and reasons for undergoing such blood test.The immediate care taken can only be advised if you give more details, to be specific.