Leucocytosis Uncovered: What Are the Causes and Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

The disorder known as leucocytosis is characterised by elevated white blood cell counts. White blood cells, called leukocytes, aid in defending the body against disease and infections. Leucocytosis can be brought on by a number of other things, including stress, even though it usually happens while you are ill. This article will take an in-depth look at some of the types, symptoms and causes of leucocytosis, along with how to treat and prevent it.  

What is leucocytosis?

It is characterised by abnormally high white blood cell count. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They originate in the bone marrow. They play a key role in defending the body against infections and disease. It is a normal immune response and isn’t always a cause for concern. Most of the time, it means that your body is fighting off infection or inflammation. However, there are times when a high white blood cell count could indicate something more serious, such as leukaemia. Leucocytosis can be classified into different types, such as:

• Neutrophilia leucocytosis: It is caused by a high number of neutrophils.
• Lymphocytosis: It is a type where there are high levels of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that protects the lymphatic system.
• Monocytosis: It is an increased count of monocytes, a type of white blood cells that boost the immune system.
• Eosinophilia: It is an increase in the levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in fighting infections and inflammation.  
• Basophilia: It is an increased count of basophils, which fights parasitic infections and responds to allergic reactions.  

Symptoms of leucocytosis

The common signs and symptoms of leucocytosis include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Night sweats
• Unexpected weight loss
• Rashes  

Causes of leucocytosis

Leucocytosis is caused by many factors, like:

• Excessive physical or emotional stress
• Burns
• Immune system conditions, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid issues
• Dental caries
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Splenectomy

Diagnosis

For the majority of healthy adults who are not pregnant, normal white blood cell counts normally fall between 4,500 and 11,000 per microlitre of blood. It may be indicated by white blood cell counts that are higher than this range. White blood cells ranging from 50,000 to 1,00,000 per microlitre of blood could indicate a solid tumour, organ rejection or a serious infection. There are different types of tests which are commonly used to examine this condition. They involve:

• Complete blood count with differential: This is the most common test that is conducted when the white blood cell count is higher than the normal one. In this test, a machine is used to determine the percentage of each specific type of white blood cell in the blood sample collected from the patient.
• Peripheral blood smear: This test is performed to look at the form and maturity of all blood cells.  
• Bone marrow biopsy: It is a test used to differentiate leukaemia from benign causes. It uses a sample of your bone marrow from where white blood cells are produced. It is then looked under a microscope to determine if there are any abnormal cells or an issue with the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.  

Treatment of leucocytosis

Depending on what initially caused leucocytosis, different treatments are utilised. For instance, doctors recommend medications if you have a bacterial infection that is causing the white blood cell count to rise. You’ll most likely require antihistamines when it is linked to an allergic reaction. Other typical therapies for elevated white blood cell counts include:

• Medications to reduce stress or anxiety
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Inhalers to treat asthma
• IV fluids to improve blood flow
• Leukapheresis (a method used to quickly reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood)  

Conclusion

To conclude, leucocytosis is a condition of increased levels of white blood cells in the body. It alters and affects many body functions. There are different treatments available to cure the condition.