Consider 'Leukocytes are white blood cells (WBC) that protect our bodies against infections and illnesses. Leukocytosis is a condition in which the level of leukocytes in the blood increases, which usually happens when we are sick. However, the level of leukocytes in our blood may also increase rapidly due to other factors, like stress.
What are the different types of Leukocytosis?
Leukocytosis can be categorized into five different types. They are:
- Lymphocytosis: this occurs when lymphocytes increase rapidly and constitute 20-40% of white blood cells.
- Neutrophilia: when the number of neutrophils increase rapidly, accounting for 40–60% of white blood cells.
- Monocytosis: when monocytes constitute 2-8% of white blood cells.
- Basophilia: This is the rarest type of leukocytosis and involves increased levels of basophils, accounting for 0.1-1% of white blood cells.
strong>The different types of leukocytosis are linked to different health issues:
Neutrophilia: infections and inflammation
Monocytosis: cancer and other infections
Basophilia: Leukemia
Lymphocytosis: viral infections and Leukemia
Eosinophilia: allergies and parasites
What are the symptoms of Leukocytosis?
When white blood cells increase rapidly in the body, the blood can become thick and impair proper blood flow. This can result in a condition known as hyperviscosity syndrome, which leads to numerous health issues like:
- Stroke
- Breathing issues
- Vision problems
- Bleeding from mouth, stomach, or intestines
Besides these, there could be other symptoms of leukocytosis, depending upon the variety of white blood cells elevated and underlying health conditions. Some common leukocytosis symptoms include:
- Pain
- Fever
- Easy bruising
- Wheezing
- Itching and hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
Keep in mind that if leukocytosis is the result of stress or caused by an adverse reaction to certain medications, you may not experience any symptoms.
What are the common causes of Leukocytosis?
The causes of leukocytosis can vary depending on the type of white blood cells elevated.
Common causes of neutrophilia include:
- Infections
- Some types of Leukemia
- Physical and emotional stress
- Smoking
- Having the spleen removed
- Chronic inflammation caused due to arthritis, injuries, or any inflammatory conditions
- An adverse reaction to certain medications, like lithium, steroids, or some inhalers.
Common causes of lymphocytosis are:
- Whooping cough, or pertussis
- Viral infections
- Allergic reactions
- Some types of Leukemia
Common causes of eosinophilia are:
- Parasitic infections
- Allergic reactions, including asthma and hay fever
- Lymphoma, or cancer in the lymphatic system
- Some skin diseases
Common causes of monocytosis include:
- Tuberculosis
- Fungal infections
- Spleen removal
- Autoimmune diseases, like ulcerative colitis and lupus
- Infections caused due to Epstein-Barr virus
Common causes of basophilia include:
- Bone marrow cancer
- Leukemia
- Allergic reactions
How is Leukocytosis diagnosed?
The normal level of WBC in our body ranges between 4500 and 11000 per microliter of blood. Having a WBC count above this level is a clear indication of leukocytosis. If your WBC level ranges between 50,000 and 1,00,000 per microliter, you may have a solid tumor, a severe infection, or you may experience organ rejection. An extremely high WBC count above 100,000 may be due to serious conditions like Leukemia or bone marrow cancer.
Leukocytosis is diagnosed using three different tests to detect the number of WBCs. These include:
Blood Test CBC: This is the most common test to detect a high WBC count. The test involves using a machine to detect the percentage of all kinds of WBC in your blood sample.
Peripheral Blood Smear: This test is performed to check the maturity and form of your blood cells, especially in the case of lymphocytosis or neutrophilia. It involves smearing blood on a glass slide in a thin layer and testing it using a microscope.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: This test is performed to differentiate between Leukemia and other benign tumors. It helps determine the presence of abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
What are the treatment options for Leukocytosis?
The course of treatment for Leukocytosis depends on the cause of the issue. The common treatment options include:
- Inhalers for treating asthma
- Antihistamines for treating allergic reactions
- Radiation, Chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant for treating Leukemia
- Antibiotics for treating bacterial infections
- Medications for anxiety and stressAgilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
