Medication and Other Factors Certain medications and physiological states can elevate white blood cell counts without the presence of disease. This results in a sustained elevation in cell counts, even in the absence of a current infection.
How Surgery and Stress Trigger White Blood Cell Surge
Infections: The Most Common Culprit By far, the most frequent cause of high white blood cell counts is infection. The body’s immediate reaction to any microbial invasion is to bolster the numbers of soldiers on the front lines.
Events such as major surgery, severe burns, or even intense physical exertion can trigger a leukocytic response. How the Body Mounts a Defense The primary function of white blood cells, or leukocytes, is to defend the body against invading pathogens and to clear away damaged tissue.
How Surgery and Stress Trigger White Blood Cell Surge
Consequently, a spike in the total count usually indicates that this defensive cascade is in full swing. The physiological stress of these events mimics an infection, prompting the release of cortisol and other hormones that stimulate the bone marrow.
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