Why Are Neutrophil Levels Elevated in the Blood and How to Address It

Elevated neutrophils may signal an infection.

What Are Neutrophils?

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in defending the body against bacterial and fungal infections. They are the most abundant white blood cells in the human body.

Up to 70% of all white blood cells in an adult are neutrophils.

Medical experts refer to them as first responders. When an infection is detected, neutrophils quickly leave the bloodstream and move into body tissues to combat the threat. Specialized proteins regulate this process by encouraging neutrophils to exit the bone marrow and spleen into the bloodstream and by stimulating the production of new white blood cells in the bone marrow.

What Constitutes a High Neutrophil Count?

Normal neutrophil counts range from 1,800 to 7,800 per microliter of blood (or 1.8–7.8 × 10⁹/L).

When neutrophil levels exceed 11 × 10⁹/L, the condition is known as neutrophilia or neutrophilic leukocytosis.

How to Detect Elevated Neutrophils

Neutrophilia does not have specific symptoms. It is usually discovered through a complete blood count test ordered by a physician when a patient reports feeling unwell.

Common Causes of Elevated Neutrophils

The most common and obvious cause of neutrophilia is infection, particularly bacterial infections, where neutrophil levels rise significantly.

Other factors that can increase neutrophil counts include:

• Severe injuries such as fractures, burns, or major surgeries.
• Inflammatory conditions like colitis, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), and hepatitis (liver inflammation).
• Medications, especially corticosteroids.
• Pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• Emotional or physical stress, including overexertion.
• Certain malignant bone marrow disorders, such as chronic myeloproliferative diseases.

Treatment for Neutrophilia

Elevated neutrophil levels themselves do not require direct treatment since they are a symptom rather than a disease.

The primary goal of healthcare providers is to diagnose and treat the underlying condition causing the neutrophilia. Once addressed, neutrophil levels typically return to normal naturally.

When Is Neutrophilia Dangerous?

Neutrophilia becomes concerning when it results from chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In cases where neutrophil counts exceed 25,000 per microliter, there is a significantly increased risk of thrombosis and related complications.

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