An increase in the white blood cell count is known as leucocytosis.  In some circumstances, the body’s natural response to infection or inflammation is a higher white blood cell count. The body produces more white blood cells when there is inflammation or infection because they help the body fight off the illness.  The white blood cell count should return to normal once the infection or cause of the inflammation has been treated.  Sometimes, despite the absence of an infection or other source of inflammation, the white blood cell count does not return to normal. Your doctor could recommend that you see a hematologist because this could be a sign of something more serious. Increases in white blood cell counts are extremely non-specific and do not indicate any particular pathology.

 

Introduction:

 

White blood cells (WBCs), called leucocytosis, aid in defending your body against disease and infection. A sign of leucocytosis is an increase in leukocyte levels in the blood. While this typically occurs while you’re sick, it can also happen for a variety of other reasons, including stress. The causes, symptoms, and various forms of Leucocytosis will all be covered in-depth in this article, along with treatment and prevention options. Leucocytosis can take five different forms:

• An increase in neutrophils, which make up between 40 and 60 percent of the white blood cells in your body, is what causes this prevalent type of Leucocytosis.
• This happens when your lymphocyte count is high (20–40% of your white blood cells are lymphocytes).
• High quantities of monocytes, which make up 2–8% of your white blood cells, are what set this type of Leucocytosis apart.
• A surplus of eosinophils, which make up 1-4 percent of all white blood cells in the body, causes this uncommon type of Leucocytosis, which is comparable to monocytosis.
• Basophilia, the most uncommon type of Leucocytosis, happens when you have higher quantities of basophils, which make up about 0.1–1% of your body’s white blood cells.

 

Causes:

 

Leucocytosis is particularly common among patients who are critically ill. Numerous illnesses, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, malignancy, hemorrhage, and exposure to specific drugs or chemicals, such as steroids, can cause it. As Leucocytosis is typically present, the WBC count is crucial for the identification of lung illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Several medications, including beta-agonists, lithium, and corticosteroids, can cause Leucocytosis. Leucocytosis is a frequent postpartum finding in healthy women and is not cause for concern unless it coincides with clinical signs of infection.

• Leukemia
• Infections, allergic responses, and bone marrow malignancy
• Smoking and some forms of leukemia
• An adverse reaction to drugs, such as steroids, lithium, or specific types of inhalers, having your spleen removed
• Persistent inflammation brought on by inflammatory diseases like arthritis or other illnesses
• Allergy symptoms
• Whooping cough, certain forms of leukemia, and pertussis
• Among the primary causes of eosinophilia are:
• Hay fever and asthma are two examples of allergies and allergic responses.
• Parasitic diseases
• Specific skin conditions lymphoma, or lymphatic system cancer

 

Signs and Symptoms:

 

Numerous Leucocytosis symptoms could be signs of an infection or more serious conditions like lymphoma or leukemia. Easy bruising could be a sign of severe acute leukemia or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Extremely raised levels of white blood cells in severe acute leukemia patients can thicken your blood and reduce blood flow. Hyperviscosity syndrome may ensue as a result. This disease may result in severe health problems such as internal bleeding, a stroke, or loss of vision. Typical red flags include:

• Breathing challenges.
• Sweats during the night.
• An unexpected decrease in weight.

 

Diagnosis of Leucocytosis:

 

Your medical professional will order tests to identify the cause of your increased white blood cell counts if you have Leucocytosis.

A complete count of blood is a blood test that doctors frequently do. This examination may be performed in response to a wide range of symptoms, including indications of an infection (such as fever, coughing, or abdominal discomfort) or an ongoing sickness (such as weight loss or exhaustion). A blood sample is examined under a microscope to see if juvenile Leucocytosis is leaving the bone marrow and infiltrating the blood. if doctors find an increased quantity of neutrophils without any evident cause, such as an obvious infection.

A bone marrow condition, such as leukemia, may be present if there is immature Leucocytosis in the blood. Doctors typically collect a sample of bone marrow when Leucocytosis is discovered in the blood (bone marrow examination).

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow examination

 

Treatment for Leucocytosis:

 

Leucocytosis treatment differs based on the underlying cause of the disorder. For instance, your doctor will recommend antibiotics if your elevated white blood cell count is the result of a bacterial illness. If an allergic reaction occurs after Leucocytosis, antihistamines will likely be needed. Other typical therapies for elevated white blood cell counts include:

• medications that lower anxiety or tension.
• drugs that reduce inflammation.
• Asthma inhalers are available.
• IV fluids to enhance blood circulation.
• Leukapheresis is a treatment used to rapidly lower the number of white blood cells in your blood.
• chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants are examples of cancer therapies.
• The white blood cell count may occasionally revert to normal on its own.

 

Precautions:

 

Leucocytosis is a typical immunological response, therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t always need to be stopped. For instance, when your body needs to fight off an infection or inflammation, your white blood cells grow. However, there are several things you can do to maintain a healthy white blood cell count, including:

• To lower the chance of contracting an infection, wash your hands often.
• Prevent exposure to allergies.
• Avoid smoking.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Every six months, visit the dentist.
• Take all medications as directed by the doctor who prescribes them.
• Look for techniques to lower your stress levels, such as mindfulness or meditation.
• If necessary, seek help for depression or anxiety.