Leukocytosis is a condition in which the number of leukocytes, i.e. white blood cells, is higher than normal, which in adults can reach 11,000 per mm3.
Since the function of these cells is to fight infections and help the functioning of the immune system, their increase usually indicates that there is a problem that the body is trying to combat and, therefore, this may be a first sign of infection, for example.
- Leukocytes are a group that includes several types of white blood cells.
- So the increase can occur only in one of these cell types.
- So there are 5 main types of leukocytosis:.
To evaluate the amount of these components in your blood, your doctor usually orders a white blood cell count, which is included in your blood formula. Normal blood white blood white blood values vary depending on a person’s age. Learn more about white blood cells and what are the normal reference values for each age.
While the amount of leukocytes may be altered by any problems affecting the body and there are more specific causes depending on the type of leukocytes being modified, the most common causes of leukocytosis include:
Infections in the body, whether caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, almost always cause changes in some of the main types of leukocytes and are therefore a major cause of leukocytosis.
Because there are many types of infections, your doctor should evaluate any symptoms that exist and order other more specific tests to try to identify the specific cause and then adjust treatment. When the cause is difficult to identify, some doctors may choose to start treatment.with an antibiotic, as most infections are caused by bacteria, and assess whether there is an improvement in symptoms or if leukodylate values are regulated.
Allergies, such as asthma, sinusitis, or rhinitis, are another common cause of increased numbers of leukocytes, especially eosinophils and basophils.
In these cases, your doctor usually requests an allergy test to try to understand the reason for the allergy, especially if there are no symptoms that can help with the diagnosis.See how the allergy test is done.
Some drugs, such as lithium or heparin, are known to cause changes in blood cells, especially in the number of leukocytes, resulting in leukocytosis; for this reason, whenever there is a change in blood tests, it is very important to tell your doctor.doctor of the type of medicine used frequently.
If necessary, your doctor may adjust the dose of the medicine you are taking or replace it with another medicine that has a similar effect but does not cause as many changes in your blood.
Chronic or autoimmune diseases such as colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or irritable bowel syndrome can cause a constant inflammation process, causing the body to produce more leukocytes to combat changes in the body.For example, people with one of these conditions may suffer from leukocytosis, even if they are being treated for the disease.
Learn about the main symptoms of common chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or irritable bowel disease.
Although rarer, an increase in the amount of leukocytes may also indicate the development of cancer.The most common type of cancer that causes leukocytosis is leukemia, but other cancers, such as lung cancer, can also cause changes in leukocytes.
Whenever there is a sign of cancer, your doctor may order more tests to try to confirm the presence.Discover the 8 tests that can help identify the presence of cancer.
Leukocytosis is a relatively normal change in pregnancy, and the number of leukocytes can even increase during pregnancy to up to 14,000 per mm3.
In addition, leukocytes also tend to increase after childbirth due to stress in the body, so a pregnant woman may experience leukocytosis even after a few weeks of pregnancy.