Guide To The Types Of Leukocytosis

March 18, 2024

Leukocytosis is the medical name for an elevated white blood cell count. This condition is not a disease by itself but is a marker of several other possible illnesses or medical conditions. Most commonly, leukocytosis is a sign the body is actively fighting an infection, but it can also result from other issues. An increase in white blood cells is part of the body's natural response to stress.

Leukocytosis can be found in mothers after labor and delivery as the body recovers. It can be found in marathon runners after a race. This condition can also be a sign of elevated mental stress. There are several types of leukocytosis, each one defined by the type of white blood cell present in elevated amounts.

Basophilia

Basophilia is the rarest type of leukocytosis. This condition is diagnosed when a complete blood count indicates an elevated level of basophils in the blood. Basophils are white blood cells that help the body deal with inflammation. They carry substances that regulate the inflammation response, such as heparin and histamine, to the site of an infection. Because basophils handle inflammation, this condition is often associated with illnesses involving chronic inflammation such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This condition can also be a symptom of several bone marrow disorders. If the cause of basophilia is unclear, a doctor may do bone marrow tests or genetic testing for a more exact diagnosis.

Eosinophilia

Eosinophilia is a type of leukocytosis marked by an elevated count of eosinophils in the blood. There are two variations of this condition, eosinophilia in the tissue and in the blood. Eosinophils are leukocytes that regulate inflammation and destroy foreign substances. They carry digestive enzymes that help break down foreign objects in the body such as parasites. When this condition is found in tissue, it is normally at the site of a localized injury or infection. When it is found in the blood, the elevated levels are often the result of an allergic reaction.

This condition is also associated with certain lymphomas, so other tests will be done if the cause of elevated eosinophil levels is unclear. Because these cells are made to be destructive, an overabundance of them can cause damage to healthy tissue. If this is the case, corticosteroids are used to lower the level.

Neutrophilia

Neutrophilia is the most common type of leukocytosis because neutrophils are the main leukocytes that attack bacterial infections. The pus found in pyogenic infections contains large numbers of dead neutrophils. Neutrophilia is a common reaction to bodily injuries where the skin is broken, and bacteria may be present. Victims of severe burns also have a high incidence of this condition.

Elevated levels of neutrophils are a sign used by doctors to diagnose bacterial infections somewhere in the body. There are a few drugs, such as corticosteroids, that can raise neutrophil levels as a side effect, so physicians need to be aware of a patient's history. Normally, this condition is not treated. Neutrophil levels will decrease as the underlying condition improves.

Monocytosis

Monocytosis is the type of leukocytosis with elevated levels of monocytes. Monocytes are the largest white blood cells in size. As needed, they are turned into one of two different cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Macrophages are the all-purpose white blood cells that participate in dead cell removal and the destruction of foreign bodies. Dendritic cells work specifically for the safety of tissues exposed to the outside world.

Like other forms of leukocytosis, monocytosis may be found in conditions that produce chronic inflammation. It is also associated with diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. This condition is also found during the recovery phase of an infection, where the body continues to produce extra monocytes even though the infection is in decline.

Lymphocytosis

Lymphocytosis is diagnosed when a complete blood test show lymphocyte levels are elevated. There are three main types of lymphocytes: T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. Each of these cells has a different function in the immune system. Lymphocytosis is a common symptom of viral infections in children, as many infections are new to the young person's body, and the immune system has to react strongly to combat them.

It is also a symptom of certain viral infections such as mononucleosis and viral hepatitis. If the underlying cause is unclear, doctors may look at other white blood cell levels in a complete blood count to make a better diagnosis. For example, high lymphocyte levels with low neutrophil levels are associated with lymphoma.

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