White blood cells are an essential part of the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections and diseases. High white blood cell counts can be a sign of an underlying health issue and, in some cases, require hospitalization. Understanding how high your white blood count has to be to be hospitalized is important for detecting and treating potential health issues.
White Blood Cell Count
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are essential for maintaining the health of the body. They are produced in the bone marrow and help the body to fight off infections and diseases. The normal range for white blood cell count is 4,500 to 10,000 per microliter of blood.
A high white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, inflammation, stress, or cancer. High white blood cell counts can also be caused by the body’s response to medication, such as corticosteroids or certain antibiotics.
Hospitalization Criteria
In some cases, a high white blood cell count can be severe enough to require hospitalization. The exact criteria for hospitalization vary depending on the underlying cause of the high white blood cell count. Generally, white blood cell counts that exceed 20,000 per microliter of blood are considered high enough to require hospitalization.
In addition to high white blood cell counts, other symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath can also be signs of a health issue that requires hospitalization. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are present.
A doctor can order a complete blood count to determine the exact number of white blood cells in the body. If the count is high, further testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the high white blood cell count.
High white blood cell counts can be a sign of an underlying health issue and, in some cases, require hospitalization. Generally, white blood cell counts that exceed 20,000 per microliter of blood are considered high enough to require hospitalization. In addition to a high white blood cell count, other symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath can be signs of a health issue that requires hospitalization. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are present.
As a measure of the body’s immune response and ability to fight infection, white blood cell (WBC) count is a vital indicator of overall health. Those who suffer from a high WBC count for an extended period of time may require hospitalization for more intensive diagnosis and treatment.
High WBC count is classified as any number above 10,000/µL, although the exact cutoff for hospitalization can vary. However, a medical professional is likely to hospitalize a person with a count higher than 15,000/µL.
Regardless of the count being elevated, hospitalization may be necessary if there appear to be any other major symptoms, changes in body temperature, signs of infection, or access to affordable care is limited. Additionally, the patient’s medical history can also be a factor in this decision.
In many cases, hospitalization is not required if the patient’s white cell count is slightly elevated. In such cases, a physician is likely to utilize various non-invasive methods of diagnosis, such as a complete blood count test and/or imaging study, to evaluate the patient’s condition and determine the best course of treatment.
In some instances, antibiotics may be prescribed to address any perceived infection, or steroids may be recommended to reduce the WBC count. The patient’s doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to try and restore their internal balance.
Ultimately, it is up to the physician’s discretion to determine when hospitalization is necessary for a high white cell count. However, if any other significant symptoms are present it may be wise to seek hospital care sooner rather than later.