Have you recently gotten a complete blood count (CBC) report? If it says your white blood cell count is high, it's normal to feel a little panicked and scared. "Oh, do I have something serious?" you might think. But before you panic, let's understand exactly what this condition of high white blood cells, or leukocytosis as doctors call it, is.
What is leukocytosis? Simply put...
Leukocytosis is when the number of white blood cells in your blood is higher than normal. Now think of it like these little soldiers inside our bodies. Their main job is to fight germs and infections that enter our bodies and protect us from diseases. So, when there is an infection or inflammation somewhere in the body, our bodies produce more of these white blood cell soldiers to help in that fight. That is to say, an increase in white blood cells is not always dangerous. Most of the time, it means that your body is fighting an infection. However, very rarely, sometimes this can be a symptom of a serious disease like leukemia. That is why it is important to be aware of this.
What are the types of white blood cells and leukocytosis?
There are not just one type of white blood cell in our bodies. Just like there are different regiments in an army, there are five main types of white blood cells. So, the condition called leukocytosis is classified based on which type of white blood cell is increased.
- Neutrophilia: This is the most common type. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in our body. They are the ones that help fight infections and heal wounds. When these cells become too high, it is called neutrophilia.
- Lymphocytosis: This is an increase in a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. They protect our lymphatic system.
- Monocytosis: An increase in white blood cells called monocytes. These further stimulate the activity of our immune system.
- Eosinophilia: An increase in cells called eosinophils. These also help fight infections and inflammatory conditions. They are especially seen in allergies, parasitic infections, and some autoimmune disorders.
- Basophilia: This is a rare type of leukocytosis. It is characterized by an increase in cells called basophils. These cells fight parasitic infections, prevent blood clotting, and are involved in allergic responses.
Now you probably understand, right? Even though white blood cells have increased, there are different aspects to it.
What does a high white blood cell count really mean?
As we mentioned earlier, white blood cells are a very important part of our immune system. They are produced in our bone marrow. They are the ones who protect our body from various infections and diseases. So, if the number of these white blood cells increases too much, it most likely means that there is an infection or inflammation somewhere in your body. Think about it, you have a throat infection, a skin wound that has become infected, or a condition like pneumonia. It is normal for white blood cells to increase during times like these.
However, very rarely, some types of blood cancers or bone marrow-related conditions can also cause an elevated white blood cell count.
Generally, if you have more than 11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood, it is considered leukocytosis. However, these values can vary slightly from lab to lab.
Should you be worried about an increase in white blood cells during pregnancy?
This is a problem that many mothers have. In fact, it is normal for the white blood cell count to be slightly elevated during pregnancy. This is due to the stress that comes with carrying a baby in the womb. Your doctor will monitor this by doing regular blood tests throughout your pregnancy, so it is nothing to worry about. They will let you know if they see anything unusual.
Is leukocytosis always a blood cancer?
No. Leukocytosis is simply an increase in the number of white blood cells. It can have a number of causes. As we discussed earlier, infection is the main cause. However, rarely, white blood cells can be elevated as a symptom of certain types of blood cancer. For example, in conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, not everyone with an increase in white blood cells has cancer.
What are the symptoms of leukocytosis?
Often, symptoms are caused by the underlying condition that is causing the white blood cell count to increase. For example, an infection can cause fever and body aches.
Some common warning signs include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Body pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Excessive sweating at night (Night Sweats)
- Unexpected Weight Loss
- Skin lesions, eczema `(Rash)`
Sometimes, easy bruising can be a sign of low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or severe acute leukemia. In severe acute leukemia, the high white blood cell count can cause the blood to thicken and interfere with blood flow. This is called hyperviscosity syndrome. This can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, internal bleeding, or vision loss.
Why do these white blood cells increase? What are the causes?
Let's look at the main causes of high white blood cell counts.
Often caused by:
- Infections or inflammation: This is the most common cause. Such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Excessive physical or mental stress: due to things like fever, injury, or surgery.
- Burns
- Immune system disorders: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Thyroid problems
- Dental Caries
- Some medications: Medications such as lithium, corticosteroids, and beta-agonists.
- Allergies
- Splenectomy
- Smoking
- Obesity
Rare causes:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Bone marrow diseases: such as polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis.
How is Leukocytosis diagnosed?
When you see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Then, they will perform a physical exam. In addition, they will order a complete blood count (CBC) . This is a very common blood test. It measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. The CBC can help your doctor determine if you have a medical condition or infection. In some cases, a bone marrow test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this treated?
The treatment for leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause.
Imagine that your white blood cells are elevated due to a bacterial infection. In that case, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If it is due to an allergy, you may be given antihistamines.
Other common treatments:
- Medications to reduce stress or anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- If you have asthma, you need inhalers.
- Giving saline (IV fluids) to improve blood circulation.
- Leukapheresis: This method can quickly reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood.
- In the case of cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplants.
The important thing is that sometimes, without any treatment, once the underlying cause is cured, the white blood cell count can return to normal.
How long does it take to heal?
This also depends on the type of treatment you are receiving and the cause of the leukocytosis. In most cases, recovery can occur within two to four weeks. However, for something like cancer treatment, it can take longer.
Are there ways to prevent leukocytosis?
The first thing to remember is that leukocytosis is a normal immune response in our bodies. That means it's not something we should always avoid. For example, when your body is fighting an infection, it's a good thing to have an increase in white blood cells.
However, there are things we can do to keep our white blood cell levels in a healthy range:
- Wash your hands often: Reduce the risk of infection.
- Stay away from things that cause allergies .
- Avoid smoking.
- Maintain good oral health. Visit a dentist at least once every six months.
- Use the medications prescribed by your doctor exactly as directed.
- Find ways to reduce stress: Practice mindfulness or meditation.
- If you have conditions such as anxiety or depression, seek treatment for them.
What happens next if I have leukocytosis?
If you are diagnosed with leukocytosis, your doctor will perform further tests to determine the cause. Once the underlying cause is determined, they will recommend appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not panic.
When should I see a doctor?
It's wise to see a doctor if you notice anything unusual or different. Especially if you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to seek medical advice:
- Fever
- Easy bruising
- Excessive bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gums)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue, constant sleepiness
- Weight loss for no reason
- Appetite
- Frequent excessive sweating at night (so much that the bed sheets get wet)
When should you go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If any of the following symptoms occur, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Stroke symptoms: confusion, dizziness, drooping of one side of the face.
- Chest pain
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Tingling in the hands, feet, or abdomen
- Sudden back pain
- Unstoppable bleeding
Finally, the most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've gained a better understanding of leukocytosis, or an increase in white blood cells.
Remember, most of the time, an increase in white blood cells is a normal immune response in our body. It can be due to an infection, inflammation, stress, or even pregnancy.
However, sometimes this can be a sign of a serious illness, so it is important to find the exact cause and seek treatment if necessary. Therefore, if your white blood cell count is elevated in your blood test, do not panic and consult a doctor. He or she will give you the necessary guidance. Stay healthy!
` White blood cells, leukocytosis, blood tests, infections, immunity, symptoms, treatment
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