Leukocytosis is a medical condition where the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the body increases beyond the normal range. The normal range of WBCs in an average human is between 4,500 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. When the number of WBCs goes beyond 11,000, it is referred to as leukocytosis. The condition can be the result of various factors, including infections, medication, medical conditions, and cancer.
Types of Leukocytosis
There are two types of leukocytosis:
Benign Leukocytosis
This type of leukocytosis is characterized by an increase in the number of WBCs due to a non-life-threatening condition. It can be a result of an infection, inflammation, stress, or exercise. Benign leukocytosis often resolves on its own once the underlying condition has been treated.
- Infections – A bacterial or viral infection can stimulate the immune system and cause benign leukocytosis.
- Inflammation – Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can cause leukocytosis.
- Stress – Physical or emotional stress can cause leukocytosis.
- Exercise – Strenuous exercise can cause leukocytosis, which is temporary and usually resolves on its own within 24 hours.
Malignant Leukocytosis
This type of leukocytosis is characterized by an increase in the number of WBCs due to a potentially life-threatening condition. It can be a result of cancer, particularly leukemia. Malignant leukocytosis requires immediate medical attention and treatment.
Causes of Leukocytosis
Infection
Infection is one of the most common causes of leukocytosis. When the body is infected with viruses or bacteria, the immune system responds by producing more white blood cells. This is a natural response that helps the body fight off the infection. In some cases, the immune system may produce an excessive amount of white blood cells, which can lead to leukocytosis.
Medication
Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, can cause leukocytosis. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to help reduce inflammation in the body. While they are effective in reducing inflammation, they can cause the body to produce more white blood cells than usual.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause leukocytosis. These include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Allergic reactions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Tuberculosis
- Cancer
Cancer
Cancer, particularly leukemia, can cause leukocytosis. In people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that don’t function properly. These abnormal white blood cells can build up in the body, leading to an increase in the total number of white blood cells.
Other Causes
Other factors that can cause leukocytosis include stress, smoking, pregnancy, and exercise. In some cases, the cause of leukocytosis may be unknown.
Symptoms of Leukocytosis
In many cases, leukocytosis does not cause any symptoms. However, if the condition is severe or if the underlying cause is a serious medical condition, symptoms may be present. These can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Frequent infections
- Night sweats
Treatment of Leukocytosis
The treatment for leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Benign leukocytosis often resolves on its own once the underlying cause has been treated. In cases of malignant leukocytosis, treatment typically involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells.
Medications
If the underlying cause of leukocytosis is an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to help treat the infection. If the condition is caused by an autoimmune disorder, medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed.
Chemotherapy
In cases of malignant leukocytosis, chemotherapy may be used to help destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs that are designed to kill rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may also be used to help destroy cancer cells in cases of malignant leukocytosis. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Prevention of Leukocytosis
Preventing leukocytosis involves maintaining good overall health and practicing good hygiene. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Conclusion
Leukocytosis is a medical condition that occurs when the number of white blood cells in the body increases beyond the normal range. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, medication, medical conditions, and cancer. While benign leukocytosis often resolves on its own once the underlying cause has been treated, malignant leukocytosis requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Maintaining good overall health and practicing good hygiene can help prevent leukocytosis.
List of Common Questions
- Q: What is leukocytosis?
- A: Leukocytosis is a medical condition where the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the body increases beyond the normal range.
- Q: What causes leukocytosis?
- A: Leukocytosis can be caused by various factors, including infections, medication, medical conditions, and cancer.
- Q: What are the symptoms of leukocytosis?
- A: In many cases, leukocytosis does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, in severe cases or cases caused by serious medical conditions, symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, among others.
- Q: How is leukocytosis diagnosed?
- A: Leukocytosis is diagnosed through a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells in the body.
- Q: How is leukocytosis treated?
- A: Treatment for leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Benign leukocytosis often resolves on its own once the underlying cause has been treated. In cases of malignant leukocytosis, treatment typically involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells.
References
Bain, B. (2013). Diagnosis from the blood smear. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(8), 745-754.
Kleinfeldt, T., & Nix, D. E. (2017). Leukocytosis. Florida Pharmacy Journal, 84(2), 17-21.
Tekce, H., Kutluk, A. C., & Ozcan, S. K. (2013). Parasite infections and leukocytosis. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 43(Suppl 1), 65-69.