11 Unmistakable Signs Your Body Might Be Battling Leukocytosis

5. Bleeding From Certain Areas

Leukocytosis should be suspected in individuals bleeding from certain areas of the body. This symptom is often the result of an underlying cause of leukocytosis that involves the dysfunction of the affected individual's bone marrow. The bone marrow is responsible for the production of all blood cells from stem cells to mature platelets, white, and red blood cells. An individual who has leukocytosis caused by acute lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer that begins in certain white blood cells, may experience bleeding from the gums, nose, and into the skin. Individuals affected by acute myeloid leukemia can experience prolonged bleeding from bruises, cuts, gastrointestinal organs, and bleeding into the skin due to the cancerous bone marrow cells crowding out platelets. Hairy cell leukemia causes an individual to produce too many lymphocytes or a type of white blood cell that helps ward off infection and can cause the bone marrow to underproduce platelets. The underproduction of platelets can cause the affected individual to bleed from their nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and into the skin.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms in individuals with leukocytosis. Elevated white blood cell counts can strain the body's resources, as the production of these cells often comes at the expense of other vital blood components, such as red blood cells. This imbalance can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Additionally, the underlying causes of leukocytosis, such as infections, chronic inflammation, or leukemia, can trigger systemic fatigue. The body's heightened immune response often demands substantial energy, leaving individuals feeling drained and weak. For those with leukemia-related leukocytosis, cancer's effect on bone marrow function can exacerbate fatigue, as the marrow may fail to produce adequate healthy cells. This persistent lack of energy and strength can significantly impact the daily lives of affected individuals, making it crucial to identify and address the underlying cause.