From the Research
Dehydration can indeed cause an increase in White Blood Cell (WBC) count, a condition known as relative leukocytosis, due to the concentration effect resulting from decreased plasma volume. This occurs because when you're dehydrated, there's a decrease in plasma volume while the number of white blood cells remains the same, resulting in a higher concentration of WBCs per unit of blood volume 1. Dehydration can be identified through symptoms like dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output. To address this issue, rehydration is the primary treatment—drinking water or electrolyte solutions gradually until hydration is restored. Healthcare providers often recommend 1-2 liters of fluid over several hours, depending on the severity of dehydration.
When interpreting blood tests showing elevated WBC counts, medical professionals typically consider hydration status as a potential contributing factor before concluding that an infection or inflammation is present. Other nonmalignant etiologies of leukocytosis include certain medications, asplenia, smoking, obesity, and chronic inflammatory conditions 2. However, the most recent and relevant study to this question is not directly provided, but based on the available evidence, it's clear that dehydration can impact WBC count.
Some key points to consider:
- Dehydration symptoms include dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output
- Rehydration is the primary treatment for dehydration
- Healthcare providers consider hydration status when interpreting elevated WBC counts
- Other factors can also contribute to elevated WBC counts, including infections, medications, and chronic conditions 3, 4. However, the relationship between WBC count and other conditions like insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is more complex and not directly related to dehydration 5.
In clinical practice, it's essential to consider dehydration as a potential cause of elevated WBC counts, especially when other signs of infection or inflammation are not present. This approach can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and ensure appropriate management of dehydration and other underlying conditions.