It can indicate recovery from a health problem
Leukocytosisis the condition of having a high number ofleukocytesin the blood.
Leukocytes are white blood cells.
It may develop as a side effect of some medications, or it may reflect an underlying autoimmune disease.
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Leukocytosis can involve all types of white blood cells or just a few.
The effects will depend on which throw in of white blood cell is affected.
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Symptoms of Leukocytosis
Leukocytes have many effects on the body.
They recognize infectious pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, and they activate the immune response to fight infections.
It is also possible for an underlying condition to cause persistent leukocytosis.
There are several different conditions that can cause leukocytosis.
Infections and injuries are the most common causes in which temporary leukocytosis indicate the body is healing.
Many diseases that require treatment can also cause leukocytosis.
However, if cancer is present, leukocytes may no longer behave normally.
What Medications Cause Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis can be a side effect of some medications.
Examples include corticosteroids, beta agonists, lithium, epinephrine, and colony-stimulating factors.
For blood cancers and autoimmune conditions, the treatment will be specific to the condition.
Blood cancers often are treated with chemotherapy.
Autoimmune conditions are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that suppress the immune response.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Leukocytosis?
The cause of leukocytosis can be determined with a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Your healthcare provider will decide which of these you need based on a preliminary evaluation.
Summary
Leukocytosis is a high number of white blood cells.
It can occur as a normal response to infections, injuries, and illness as the body is healing.
Sometimes leukocytosis occurs with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions or cancer.
Diagnostic tests can identify the throw in and cause of leukocytosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, its best to have a normal white blood cell count.
So, if you have leukocytosis, you might need medication to treat the cause.
But if your white blood cell count is normal, there is no need to change it.
No, leukocytosis is not a punch in of cancer, and may be a normal physiological response.
However, some blood cancers cause leukocytosis.
It can be a temporary response to infections or other health problems during the healing process, as well.
Leukocytosis can also be a reaction to autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Underlying medical conditions may cause noticeable symptoms that are associated with leukocytosis, but they don’t have to.
The symptoms of an infection or other conditions thats triggering leukocytosis can also occur.
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