Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that help the body fight infections and heal injuries. If there are too many neutrophils in your bloodstream, you may develop neutrophilia, which is a high total white blood cell count. A high neutrophil count is over 8,000 neutrophils per microliter, and it can be caused by a lot of different conditions, including infections, inflammation, injury, certain types of leukemia, and reactions to certain drugs.

If your bloodstream is teeming with too many neutrophils, you may develop leukocytosis or a high total white blood cell count. You may have symptoms such as fevers or recurring infections. Tests to assess your neutrophil count may indicate more serious illnesses. Healthcare providers treat neutrophilia by treating the underlying problem or illness. Neutrophilia isn’t a condition that can be treated. It’s a sign of underlying conditions, such as infection and inflammation. Neutrophilia may also be a sign of more serious conditions like blood disorders and blood cancer. Sometimes, neutrophilia is your body’s reaction to medication or stress.

In many cases, it’s normal for your body to produce more neutrophils to help you heal, especially in the case of a bone fracture or severe burn. When the number of neutrophils doesn’t decrease to normal levels after repairing an injury, it can pose a health risk. The number of neutrophils in your body may increase due to infections, inflammation, injury, certain types of leukemia, and reactions to certain drugs. Doctors often focus on treating the underlying cause of neutrophilia, rather than the neutrophilia itself.