From the Guidelines
Reducing or quitting smoking is the most beneficial action you can take to improve your overall health, as it will help decrease the chronic inflammatory response in your body, potentially normalize your white blood cell count, and reduce the risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues. Your elevated white blood cell count, particularly neutrophils, is likely related to your smoking history rather than an infection, as you're not experiencing any symptoms. Tobacco smoking causes chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase neutrophil levels, as noted in a study published in the journal Stroke 1. No immediate treatment is needed, but you should repeat the blood test in one month to monitor the situation. If you develop fever, chills, or other concerning symptoms before your follow-up appointment, contact the medical office promptly.
The risks associated with smoking are well-documented, and quitting can significantly reduce these risks. According to a study published in the journal Circulation 1, approximately 20% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease are attributed to tobacco use, and the risk of death from coronary heart disease is 50% lower among people who quit smoking after 1 year of abstinence. Additionally, smoking is causally related to at least 16 types of cancer, and quitting can reduce the incidence of diabetes to that of nonsmokers after 5 years in women and after 10 years in men.
Some key points to consider:
- Smoking causes chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase neutrophil levels and contribute to various health problems 1
- Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes 1
- Counseling by medical caregivers can profoundly increase smokers’ motivation to stop using tobacco, and there are well-defined guidelines to assist healthcare providers in treating tobacco dependence 1
- Comprehensive tobacco-control programs, including restrictions on advertising and promotion of tobacco, increases in excise taxes, and education and counter-advertising, can help prevent the initiation of tobacco use among young people and promote successful cessation 1
From the Research
Elevated White Blood Cell Count
- An elevated white blood cell count can have various causes, including malignant and nonmalignant conditions 2
- In the absence of symptoms, an elevated white blood cell count can be related to lifestyle factors such as smoking 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Smoking and White Blood Cell Count
- Studies have shown that smoking is associated with an elevated white blood cell count, particularly neutrophils 3, 4, 5, 6
- The relationship between smoking and white blood cell count is dose-dependent, with heavier smoking leading to higher white blood cell counts 4, 6
- Smoking cessation can lead to a decrease in white blood cell count, with significant reductions observed within one year of quitting 5
Monitoring and Follow-up
- In cases where an elevated white blood cell count is suspected to be related to smoking, monitoring and follow-up are essential to track changes in white blood cell count over time 2
- Repeat blood tests, such as a complete blood count with peripheral smear, may be necessary to assess the types and maturity of white blood cells and to rule out other potential causes of leukocytosis 2