11 Unmistakable Signs Your Body Might Be Battling Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis is a condition characterized by an elevated count of white blood cells (WBCs), the essential defenders of the body’s immune system. These cells protect the body from infections, pathogens, and foreign invaders. There are five distinct types of leukocytosis, classified based on which type of WBC is elevated: neutrophilia (high neutrophil count), lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocytes), monocytosis (excess monocytes), eosinophilia (increased eosinophils), and basophilia (heightened basophil levels). Each type serves a unique function within the immune system, but when white blood cell counts rise abnormally, it can cause the blood to thicken, potentially impacting circulation and leading to various health complications. In this expanded guide, we delve into 11 key signs of leukocytosis, exploring how this condition can manifest in the body. From visible symptoms to internal disruptions, these signs provide crucial insights into how leukocytosis affects overall health and why it’s essential to identify and address the underlying causes.
1. Vision Issues
An individual affected by leukocytosis may present with vision issues as a symptom manifestation of their blood condition. The eye is supplied by a network of tiny capillaries that carry nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to its cells. Some of the smallest blood vessels in the body are located within structures of the eye. Individuals with leukocytosis have high white blood cell counts, and the excess white blood cells in the blood may cause it to become thicker and have a higher viscosity. This malfunction gives the blood movement a slow or sluggish flow rate through the body due to its friction against the vein and artery walls. This thickened blood flows through the main artery to the head and then may fail to fully infiltrate into the numerous branches of small capillaries that supply the cells of the retina. The retina is a component of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve impulses that contain visual information through the optic nerve to the brain. When several of these capillaries do not receive blood because of leukocytosis, the affected individual may experience vision issues. These issues include blurry vision, double vision, and blind spots. The thickened blood may also cause other microvascular changes that stop blood from getting to the retinal cells, including hemorrhage or thrombosis.
