Leukocytosis - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

A high amount of leukocytes in the blood characterizes the condition known as leukocytosis. White blood cells are called leukocytes. It consists of numerous varieties of white blood cells that combine and play different roles in immunity, healing, and maintaining good health. Leukocytosis can indicate a medical condition or a temporary reaction to an injury or infection as the body heals itself. It could arise from an underlying autoimmune condition or as a side effect of some drugs. All or simply some white blood cells may be involved in leukocytosis. The type of white blood cell that is impacted will determine the consequences.

What Is Leukocytosis?

If one has leukocytosis, the patient’s white blood cell count is high. It indicates that white blood cell count is higher than usual. Leukocytosis is not usually a reason for concern, as it is a typical immunological response. It typically indicates that the body faces inflammation or infection. However, a high white blood cell count can occasionally indicate a more dangerous condition, such as leukemia.

What Is Leukocytosis in Pregnancy?

• Pregnant women often have higher white blood cell counts.

• Most of the time, these levels rise gradually during pregnancy. The WBC count in the final trimester of pregnancy typically ranges from 5,800 to 13,200 per microliter of blood.

• Also, the stress related to childbirth could increase white blood cell counts.

• After delivery, the white blood cell count (WBC count), which typically remains around 12,700 per microliter of blood, also remains slightly over normal for some time.

What Are the Types of Leukocytosis?

Five distinct forms of leukocytosis are present:

• Neutrophilia: The underlying cause of this common kind of leukocytosis is an increase in neutrophil counts, which comprise 40 to 60 percent of the body's white blood cells (WBC).

• Lymphocytosis: Lymphocytes, responsible for 20 to 40 percent of white blood cells, are the cell type that causes this.

• Monocytosis: Isolation of cells. Monocytes, which comprise two to eight percent of white blood cells, are highly prevalent in this type of leukocytosis.

• Eosinophilia: Similar to monocytosis, this kind of leukocytosis is rare and results from excess eosinophils, which account for 1 to 4 percent of white blood cells in the body.

• Basophilia: This is the rarest kind of leukocytosis characterized by increased basophil counts, which comprise about 0.1 to 1 percent of white blood cells in the body.

Every type of leukocytosis is connected to medical conditions:

• Neutrophilia: Infections and inflammation caused by neutrophilia.

• Lymphocytosis: Viral infections and leukemia.

• Monocytosis: Malignancies and further infections.

• Eosinophilia: Allergies and parasites.

• Basophilia: Leukemia.

What Are the Symptoms of Leukocytosis?

Having an excessive amount of white blood cells in the body can thicken blood, which can hinder blood flow. The result of this could be hyperviscosity syndrome. The condition known as hyperviscosity syndrome is brought on by blood that thickens to a level that becomes impervious to blood vessels. It could occur if one has excessive white blood cells, red blood cells, or blood proteins. While leukemia can cause it, it is quite uncommon.

Several significant problems could result:

• Stroke.

• Visual issues.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Bleeding from the mouth, stomach, or intestines.

Other symptoms may also be caused by leukocytosis. This could be connected to any underlying medical issues that induce leukocytosis or the consequences of the particular type of white blood cell that is high.

Some common symptoms involve the following:

• Fever hurts.

• Simple bruises.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Wheezing.

• Allergic reactions.

• Weight loss and night sweats.

What Are the Causes of Leukocytosis?

The causes of leukocytosis can be classified according to the particular type of white blood cell that has been increased. Among the frequent reasons for neutrophilia are:

• Diseases smoking certain forms of leukemia.

• Stress on an emotional or physical level, having the spleen removed as a reaction to drugs, such as lithium, steroids, or some inhalers.

• Persistent inflammation brought on by rheumatism, trauma, or other inflammatory diseases.

The following are a few possible causes of lymphocytosis:

• Hypersensitivity responses.

• Whooping cough, pertussis, some forms of leukemia, and viral illnesses.

The following are a few major causes of eosinophilia:

• Allergens and allergic responses, including asthma and hay fever.

• Parasite illnesses.

Some skin conditions, such as lymphoma or lymphatic system cancer.

Among possible reasons for monocytosis are:

• Illnesses carried on by the Epstein-Barr virus, such as mononucleosis.

• Tuberculosis.

• Fungus-related diseases.

• Autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and lupus.

• Spleen removed.

Among the causes of basophilia are:

• Bone marrow cancer.

• Leukemia.

• Allergic responses (rarely).

How Is Leukocytosis Diagnosed?

The doctor will examine and inquire about medical history and symptoms. Additionally, a complete blood count (CBC) will be performed. This routine blood test looks for the system's platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Healthcare providers can be informed by a complete blood cell (CBC) if one has any infections or specific conditions. In some circumstances, a bone marrow test may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

How Is Leukocytosis Treated?

Depending on what initially caused the disease, leukocytosis treatment is different. For example, the doctor may recommend antibiotics if a bacterial infection is the cause of increased white blood cell count. If leukocytosis is linked to an allergic response, antihistamines will most likely be required.

Other typical therapies for elevated white blood cell counts consist of:

• Drugs to lessen anxiety or tension.

• Drugs that reduce inflammation.

• Inhaled medications for asthma.

• IV fluids to enhance blood circulation.

• Leukapheresis is a short process that lowers blood's white blood cell count.

• Chemotherapy.

• Radiation therapy and stem cell transplants are examples of cancer treatments.

• White blood cell count may occasionally return to normal without any help.

How Can One Prevent Leukocytosis?

Several methods can avoid leukocytosis.

• Keeping up an active, healthy lifestyle.

• Using handwashing and good hygiene to prevent infection.

• Steer clear of possible allergens.

• Not smoking, using prescription drugs as prescribed by the doctor, managing stress, and getting help for mental health or anxiety disorders when needed.

Conclusion

One typical test finding that can be either temporary or permanent is leukocytosis. Although it frequently goes away with little to no treatment, a practitioner should thoroughly assess what is causing the inflammatory reaction. Leukocytosis may require additional laboratory testing and imaging as part of the diagnostic process. For any patient's care, routine and frequent follow-up with their doctor is important.