Leukocytes or white blood cells (neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes) are produced in the bone marrow and have the function of fighting viruses, germs and bacteria in the blood system. Healthy people usually have a count of 7,500 leukocytes per cubic millimeter of blood; Adding more than 11,000 leukocytes per cubic millimeter of blood is called leukocytosis. This may indicate that the body requires more leukocytes in peripheral blood due to an infection, due to inflammation due to hyperproduction of these cells in the bone marrow. The latter may indicate leukemia.
The causes that can lead to abnormally high production of leukocytes and, therefore, leukocytosis are:
- A high production of white blood cells to fight a viral or bacterial infection.
- A reaction to a medication that increases the production of white blood cells such as corticosteroids and/or epinephrine.
- A disease of the bone marrow, which causes abnormally high production of white blood cells.
- An immune system disorder that increases the production of white blood cells such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Leukocytosis: more than 11,000 leukocytes/cubic millimeter of blood.
Risk factors that can lead to leukocytosis are:
- Smoking.
- Intense physical and/or emotional stress.
- Severe allergic reactions.
Types of leukocytosis:
- Neutrophil leukocytosis. Abnormally high number of neutrophils that are responsible for fighting bacterial or fungal infections. They die after phagocytosing the pathogens. They live for about five days in the circulating blood and a normal count of 3,000 to 6,000 per cubic millimeter of blood is considered.
- Lymphocytic leukocytosis. High count of B, T lymphocytes or NK (natura killer) cells. T lymphocytes coordinate the cellular immune response; B lymphocytes produce antibodies capable of binding, blocking and promoting the destruction of pathogens; NK cells destroy infected cells and contribute to the regulation of the immune system response. The normal total number of lymphocytes in the blood is 1,500 to 4,000 cells per cubic millimeter.
- Monocytosis. High amount of monocytes in the blood. Monocytes, like neutrophils, phagocytose pathogens but their survival in the circulating blood is greater; in addition to ending up becoming, when they leave the bloodstream, tissue macrophages. The normal monocyte count is between 200 and 300 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
- Eosinophilia or hypereosinophilia. High eosinophil count. They are the cells that fight parasitic infections. They are also the predominant inflammatory cells during an allergic reaction. Eosinophilia is usually caused by asthma, allergic rhinitis, and parasitic infections. The normal blood count is 120 to 130 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
- Basophilia. High number of basophils, above 40 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. It may be the result of allergic reactions or infections. Basophils release histamine in response to allergies, which produces vasodilation. Basophilia can also be caused by an autoimmune disorder such as hypothyroidism.
The symptoms or signs caused by a high leukocyte count in the blood are:
- Fever and/or chills
- Bleeding.
- Appearance of bruises on the skin.
- Weakness and/or fatigue.
- General discomfort.
- Excessive sweating.
- Pain or tingling in your arms, legs, or abdomen
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty thinking.
- Visual problems.
- Involuntary weight loss or loss of appetite.
A blood test shows the high white blood cell count. Identification of the type of leukocytes that cause leukocytosis can be determined by obtaining, by biopsy, a sample of the spinal cord.
Treatment depends on the cause of leukocytosis. The guideline dictated by the hematologist may be to administer intravenous fluids in the hospital; antibiotics against bacterial infections; anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation or treat infections. In case of leukemia, such as chronic leukemia, chemotherapy and targeted drugs are administered.
Another possible treatment is leukapheresis, a procedure to decrease the number of white blood cells by removing blood using an intravenous cannula. A sample is taken for the laboratory and the white blood cells are separated to be injected back into the body.
Healthy habits are the best prevention measure against leukocytosis, in addition to avoiding contracting parasites and viral, bacterial or fungal infections. It is about promoting our body's metabolism by leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding stress, following a healthy and balanced diet, taking care of personal hygiene and resting, at least, with a restful sleep, about seven hours a day.
