Introduction
White blood cells, otherwise known as leukocytes, are part of the immune system that greatly protects the body against infections and abnormal cells, including foreign invaders. However, if the count of leukocytes is very high, then it becomes something that should be looked at. This post will think about what normally causes high leukocyte count, mainly with neutrophils, monocytes, and other forms of leukocytes, and what it could imply for your health in general.
What are leukocytes?
Leukocytes are special blood and tissue cells mainly used for the defense of immunities. The five major types include the following: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type of cell has another specific role in the human body as it fights against infections and maintains immunity.
This condition of having elevated white blood cells count is known as high leukocyte levels or leukocytosis. This will primarily be brought about by infections or inflammation but could be a symptom for some severe diseases.
Common Causes of High Leukocyte Level
- a) Infections
One of the most common causes is an infection.
Bacterial Infections: It will increase with diseases such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis, which are the frontline responders to bacterial invasion.
Viral Infections: Some viral infections, for example, the flu or mononucleosis, may cause an elevation of leukocyte counts, although the lymphocyte count tends to rise more sharply in those conditions.
- b) Inflammation
Chronic inflammation develops which normally is for diseases caused through autoimmunity like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Normally most cases of elevated counts that include but not limited to white blood cells such as neutrophils and also monocytes will, in most instances, give evidence that the immune system is responding with a fight most times.
- c) Stress
Physical or emotional stress tends to increase leukocytes transitorily. For instance, in surgery, trauma, or heavy exercise, there would have been a production of extra white blood cells by the body before anticipating the later injury or infection that could arise.
Allergic Reactions
Eosinophils are one of the varieties of leukocytes that increase with allergic or parasitic infections. The type of leukocytosis produced is most commonly associated with rash, wheezing, or abdominal pain.
Some of the drugs lead to absolute increase in WBCs which include corticosteroids that are prescribed for prophylaxis of tissue emigration of these cells from the blood. Drugs, if administered for a long time result in chronic increase in WBC count.
Blood Dyscrasias
Leukemias are some of the cancers that increase the leukocytes. In such conditions, WBCs formed are mainly immature or non-functionally competent resulting in weakened immunity.
Neutrophils and Monocytes in Leukocytosis
Neutrophils:
Neutrophils are the most common varieties of white blood cells and normally the first line of defense of the body against bacterial infections.
Diffuse elevations of neutrophil count usually result from acute infections with bacteria, stress or other manifestations of inflammation. The conditions most commonly coming to medical attention with neutrophilia include the following: appendicitis and pneumonia.
Monocytes
Monocytes take part in the overcoming of chronic infectiousness within an organism and in cleaning out dead cells from an organism.
Elevated counts of monocytes are often suggestive of chronic infections that lead to inflammation like tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, although they can also increase as part of the resolving phase in acute infections.
Implication of Raised White Counts
Leukocytosis does not indicate a disease condition but implies several others that surely should not be brushed aside
- a) Acute Conditions.
This infection or inflammation is treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, and the counts of leukocytes may begin improving as treatment is continued.
- b) Chronic Issues
Leukocytosis is a chronic problem and is associated with many chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases and cancers like leukemia. If routine blood tests are conducted, the patient himself can make an early diagnosis and most of the times be cured.
- c) Complications that could occur
Some complications associated with leukocytosis, or persistent high leukocyte counts include the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, it has been proven that high WBC counts are associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of leukocytosis
- a) Blood Tests
The CBC is the first test that is carried out in case of high WBC count. The subsequent tests, differential WBC count will reveal what type of leukocytes has increased and could hint at the cause for the same.
Treatment of the cause
Treatment to the underlying condition which is causing high leukocytosis is targeted,
Infections: Antibiotics or antivirals therapy.
Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medicine or lifestyle changes.
Stress Management: Meditation, exercise, and proper rest reduce acute leukocytosis.
Observations and Aftercare
Monitor on blood tests whenever possible based on chronic cases or for individuals who have responded very well after severe infections.
Preventive care for Maintenance of Leukocyte Health
Nutrious Dieting: It builds up powers of immunity against diseases. Healthy antitoxidants fruits and greens have antioxidants that build up the immunity generally and safeguard it against the causative effects.
Routine Moderate Physical Activity: It strengthens the immunity in that way that the level of leukocytes is kept in its balanced level.
Relaxation Technique: Reduces Stress: The temporary increase of leukocytes is controlled by the relaxation technique.
Routine Checkup: It would depict the abnormality in the leukocyte level earlier so that it could be treated well in time.
Conclusion
High leukocytes are generally associated with the immune system attempt to be responsive to some kind of challenge that might be infection, or inflammation. Leukocytosis sustained over some time can be associated with worse scenarios such as autoimmune diseases, or other blood disorders. Therefore it would be highly important to understand the causes of leukocytosis and what such implications may be.
Proper treatment and healthy lifestyle would keep the people well-balanced with leukocytes, hence very aptly supporting proper immune function. If you or anybody else have been constantly suffering from symptoms like excessive fatigue, fever, and repeated infections, then do seek a health care provider to check on your leukocyte levels besides your general health condition.
