Leukocytosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A disorder known as leukocytosis causes the blood to have more white blood cells (WBC) than usual. As a component of the immune system, white blood cells aid in the defense against illnesses and infections. On the other hand, an excess of white blood cells may also be problematic and suggest an underlying illness. We will go over leukocytosis's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention in this blog article.
Causes of Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis can have a variety of reasons, depending on the kind of white blood cell that is elevated. White blood cells may be classified into five basic types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Every variety of white blood cell performs a distinct role and reacts to various stimuli. The following are a few typical causes of leukocytosis:
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Infections, such as bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, which can trigger an immune response and increase the production of white blood cells, especially neutrophils and lymphocytes.
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Inflammation, such as from injuries, allergies, autoimmune diseases, or chronic diseases, which can cause tissue damage and activate the immune system, leading to an increase in white blood cells, especially neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
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Stress, such as from physical or emotional stress, which can stimulate the release of hormones and chemicals that affect the bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced, and cause a temporary increase in white blood cells, especially neutrophils.
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Medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium, epinephrine, or heparin, which can have various effects on the bone marrow or the blood vessels, and cause an increase in white blood cells, especially neutrophils, lymphocytes, or eosinophils.
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Cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, which are cancers of the blood cells or the bone marrow, and can cause an abnormal growth and proliferation of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, monocytes, or eosinophils.
Symptoms of Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis itself may not cause any symptoms, but the underlying condition that causes leukocytosis may produce various signs and symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the possible symptoms of leukocytosis are:
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Fever, chills, sweats, or body aches, which may indicate an infection or inflammation.
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Fatigue, weakness, or weight loss, which may indicate a chronic disease or cancer.
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Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in a specific area of the body, which may indicate an injury, infection, or inflammation.
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Difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest pain, which may indicate a lung infection or inflammation.
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Headache, confusion, or seizures, which may indicate a brain infection or inflammation.
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Bleeding, bruising, or anemia, which may indicate a blood disorder or cancer.
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Itching, rash, or hives, which may indicate an allergic reaction or inflammation.
Diagnosis of Leukocytosis
A blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC), which counts and characterizes the many kinds of blood cells in a sample of blood, can identify leukocytosis. White blood cell counts typically range from 4,000 to 11,000 per microliter of blood, although this might change based on an individual's age, gender, and overall health. Leukocytosis, or an excess of white blood cells, is a condition that can be caused by an infection, inflammation, stress, medicine, or malignancy.
To determine the cause of leukocytosis, the doctor may order other tests, such as:
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Blood smear, which is a test that examines the shape and size of the blood cells under a microscope, and can reveal any abnormalities or signs of infection or cancer.
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Blood culture, which is a test that grows the blood sample in a laboratory to identify any bacteria, fungi, or parasites that may cause an infection.
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Blood chemistry, which is a test that measures the levels of various substances in the blood, such as electrolytes, glucose, uric acid, or liver and kidney enzymes, and can indicate any metabolic problems or organ damage.
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Urinalysis, which is a test that analyzes the urine for the presence of blood, protein, bacteria, or crystals, and can indicate any urinary tract infection or kidney problems.
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Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, which can provide detailed pictures of the organs and tissues in the body, and can reveal any signs of infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Treatment of Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis therapy is based on the kind and etiology of the ailment as well as its symptoms and consequences. Treating the underlying ailment, lowering the white blood cell count, and preventing or controlling any consequences are the major objectives of therapy. The following are the principal ways to treat leukocytosis:
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Medications, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics, which can treat the infections that cause leukocytosis; anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce the inflammation and pain that cause leukocytosis; or chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, which can treat the cancers that cause leukocytosis.
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Fluids and electrolytes, which can help prevent or treat dehydration, which can result from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea that may accompany leukocytosis; or correct any imbalances in the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, or other minerals in the blood, which can affect the function of the nerves, muscles, and organs.
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Blood transfusion, which can help replace the lost or damaged blood cells, such as red blood cells, platelets, or plasma, which can result from bleeding, bruising, or anemia that may accompany leukocytosis.
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Dialysis, which can help filter the blood and remove the excess fluid, waste, or toxins, which can accumulate in the blood due to kidney failure or damage that may accompany leukocytosis.
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Surgery, which can help remove or destroy any infected, inflamed, or cancerous tissue or organ, such as the spleen, appendix, or tumor, which can cause or complicate leukocytosis.
Prevention of Leukocytosis
There is no specific way to prevent leukocytosis, but some steps that may help reduce the risk or severity of leukocytosis include:
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Avoiding or treating any infections, such as by washing hands frequently, practicing safe sex, getting vaccinated, or taking antibiotics as prescribed.
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Avoiding or managing any inflammation, such as by avoiding allergens, taking anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed, or following a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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Avoiding or reducing any stress, such as by practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, or seeking counseling or support.
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Avoiding or adjusting any medications that may cause leukocytosis, such as by consulting with the doctor before taking or stopping any drugs, or following the instructions and monitoring the effects of the drugs.
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Getting regular check-ups and screenings for any diseases or cancers that may cause leukocytosis, such as by having blood tests, physical examinations, or imaging tests.
