Elevated WBC counts, known as leukocytosis, can be caused by various factors: - Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections often lead to an increased WBC count. - Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can cause elevated WBC levels. - Stress: Physical or emotional stress can temporarily increase WBC counts. - Leukemia: This type of cancer leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. - Medications: Certain drugs, like corticosteroids, can cause leukocytosis.
