Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis is a condition in which the quantity of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood is elevated above the usual level. White blood cells are a key part of the immune system, helping the body fight infection, inflammation, and other damaging diseases. Leukocytosis is not a sickness but rather a lab finding that may be indicative of an underlying condition.

The usual suspects are bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory disease, allergic reactions, physical stress, some medications, smoking, and tissue injury. High WBC counts Sometimes high WBC counts are caused by problems in the blood or bone marrow, such as blood malignancies like leukemia. by malignancies of the blood or bone marrow (e.g., leukemia). The type of white blood cell that is raised may be important in pointing toward the cause. Some examples include Neutrophilia in bacterial infections and lymphocytosis in some viral infections.

Symptoms are related to the sickness, not to the leukocytosis. Some people may have no obvious symptoms, and others may have a fever, fatigue, weakness, discomfort, or evidence of infection. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a medical history and a physical exam and a complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count. Further testing might be indicated if the elevation is persistent or unexplained.

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Transient mild leukocytosis often subsides with the improvement of the underlying illness. If the irregularities persist, further medical examination will be needed.