18 Hidden Causes of High Neutrophil Counts That Doctors Want You to Know

5. Reaction To Certain Medications

An individual's reaction to certain medications can cause them to develop neutrophilia. Beta-adrenergic agonists are bronchodilators, which loosen the muscles lining an individual's airways. These medicines are typically used to treat individuals with bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and other lung conditions. Neutrophilia is an uncommon adverse side effect of these medications. Corticosteroids exhibit a similar mechanism that causes neutrophilia. However, they are typically used to treat other issues, such as autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and to prevent organ transplant rejection. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and other emergent conditions. This medicine causes the neutrophils embedded in the blood vessel walls to enter and populate the bloodstream, resulting in neutrophilia. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is a medication used in cancer patients who have a low neutrophil count following their treatment. This medication stimulates the production and release of white blood cells from the bone marrow. Thus, it may cause neutrophilia. Heparin can cause neutrophilia because it causes increased activation of neutrophilic components. Lithium, a medication used to treat some psychiatric disorders, is also known to cause neutrophilia. It does this by stimulating the production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow.