When you look at a blood report, did you feel a little worried when you saw that the 'White Blood Cell Count', that is, the number of white blood cells, was higher than normal? Did you feel scared, "Oh, do I have something serious?"? In fact, many people in our country have had this experience. But an increase in white blood cells is not always something to be afraid of. Most of the time, it is a good sign that our body is fighting an infection. So today, let's talk simply and clearly about this increase in white blood cells, or the medical term `(Leukocytosis)`.
Simply put, what is leukocytosis?
Leukocytosis is a condition in which the number of white blood cells (WBC) in your blood is higher than normal. This is not always a disease. In fact, it is a normal response of our body's immune system. Just like our army is on alert when an enemy invades our country, when an infection or germ enters our body, our body produces a large number of white blood cells, which are our "army", to fight against it. So the white blood cell count increases.
However, very rarely, this condition can be a symptom of a serious medical condition such as leukemia. That is why it is important to have a correct understanding of this.
Normally, a healthy adult has between 4,000 and 11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. When this number exceeds 11,000, we call the condition `Leukocytosis`.
Types of white blood cells and different conditions in which they are elevated
Did you know that our body doesn't have just one type of white blood cell, there are 5 main types. Just like our military has different branches like the army, navy, and air force. So, when we say that white blood cells are elevated, the condition `Leukocytosis` is also divided into several types depending on which type is elevated.
| Type of leukocytosis | Elevated white blood cell count | A simple explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Neutrophilia | Neutrophils | These are the most abundant type of white blood cell in our bodies. They are primarily responsible for fighting bacterial infections and healing wounds. They increase in number during times of illness such as fever and cold. |
| Lymphocytosis | Lymphocytes | These are the specialists who fight viral infections. We can see changes in these in viral diseases like dengue and measles. They protect our lymphatic system. |
| Monocytosis | Monocytes | These are like the body's "garbage collectors." They help remove things like dead cells and germs from the body. These are elevated in some long-term infections. |
| Eosinophilia | Eosinophils | These are elevated in allergies and parasitic infections. They can be seen more in the blood of people with asthma or those with worm infestations. |
| Basophilia | Basophils | This is the rarest type of white blood cell elevation. These help prevent allergic reactions and blood clotting. |
What are the causes of high white blood cells?
Imagine, you have a fever and aches in your body. You go to the doctor and he asks you to do a blood test. The report shows that your white blood cell count is high. This means that your body is fighting an infection. The causes of this type of high white blood cell count can be divided into two categories: common and serious.
Common, common causes
These are the most common causes of your white blood cell count being high. This is nothing to be too worried about.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections are the main cause. Examples include pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), throat infections, and skin infections.
- Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions that occur anywhere in the body. For example, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Excessive physical or mental stress: Don't be surprised, white blood cells can also increase as a response to things like excessive fatigue, exam stress, undergoing surgery, or being in an accident.
- Burns: When a large area of the body is burned.
- Allergies: Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and conditions like asthma.
- Some medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and lithium, can cause an increase in white blood cells as a side effect.
- Smoking: Smokers may have consistently high white blood cell levels because their respiratory system is constantly inflamed.
- Pregnancy: It is normal for the white blood cell count to increase during pregnancy due to the stress on the mother's body. Your doctor will monitor you for this.
Rare, potentially serious causes
These causes are not very common. But it is important to be aware of these as well. But remember, don't panic just because your white blood cell count is high.
- Leukemia: Abnormal production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Lymphoma: Cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
- Bone Marrow Disorders: Diseases that affect the process of producing blood cells in the bone marrow, such as `Polycythemia Vera` or `Myelofibrosis`.
The most important thing is that if your white blood cell count is elevated in your blood test, your doctor should determine the cause. Don't try to diagnose yourself by looking online.
What are the symptoms of high white blood cells?
Most of the time, there are no symptoms specific to the condition `Leukocytosis` itself. We feel the symptoms of the underlying medical condition that caused it. For example, if your white blood cell count is elevated due to an infection, you may experience symptoms like:
- Fever and chills
- Body aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Rash or redness on the skin
However, sometimes, especially if the white blood cell count is too high due to a serious condition like blood cancer, symptoms such as:
- Weight loss for no reason: If you lose weight without changing your diet or exercising.
- Excessive sweating at night: If you sweat so much that the sheets get wet.
- Easy bruising and bleeding: If you bruise easily even after a small injury, or if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth.
- Frequent infections: If you get a cold or flu once or twice a month.
If you have symptoms like these, it is essential to see a doctor immediately for advice.
How does the doctor diagnose this condition?
When you go to see the doctor, he will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. Then he will examine you.
The main test to diagnose this condition is a complete blood count (CBC) . This is a very simple blood test. It can give an accurate picture of the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood.
If the CBC report shows an elevated white blood cell count, the ``Differential Count'' can also be used to determine what type of white blood cell is elevated. Based on this information, the doctor can get a good idea of the cause.
Sometimes, if the cause is unclear or if a serious condition is suspected, your doctor may refer you for a bone marrow test .
How is it treated?
Treatment for leukocytosis depends on the cause. Strictly speaking, we do not treat the increase in white blood cells, but the underlying disease that caused it.
- If it is a bacterial infection: Antibiotics are prescribed.
- If it is an allergy: Medications such as antihistamines will be given.
- If it's a condition like asthma: You will be told to use `Inhalers`.
- If due to stress: Stress reduction techniques and medication will be provided if necessary.
- If it is a serious condition like cancer: it may require specific treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplant.
In some cases, for example, if high white blood cell counts are elevated due to extreme stress, the white blood cell count may return to normal once the stress subsides, without any treatment.
When to see a doctor and go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)
This is a very important part. It's very important to pay attention to the signals your body is giving you.
| See your doctor. | Go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. |
|---|---|
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Take-Home Message
- Don't be alarmed just because your white blood cell (WBC) count is elevated. It's often a good sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- Leukocytosis is not cancer, but in rare cases it can be a symptom of a serious condition such as leukemia.
- Treatment depends on the underlying condition causing the elevated white blood cell count.
- Avoid self-diagnosing yourself online. Always seek advice from a qualified doctor.
- Be aware of symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and easy bruising. If you experience any of these, seek medical advice.
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