The body’s white blood cells (leukocytes) help to protect against illness and disease and fight off other harmful germs. It is called leukocytosis when these white blood cells are above the normal range. Common causes of leukocytosis include infection, but it can also occur if a person has bone tumors or leukemia.
Other stresses to the body caused by strenuous exercise, epileptic convulsions, emotional stress, and pregnancy/labor are also known to be causes of this condition. Leukocytosis can also be caused by anesthesia as a side effect of medication or epinephrine injection.
Blood tests are used to diagnose this disease. Bone marrow biopsies may also be used.
Different types of white blood cells and leukocytosis are classified by the kind of white blood cell that is increased.
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They are the body’s first line of defense in fighting infection and viruses and often signal other immune system components to respond to these foreign invaders.
Neutrophilia is a leukocytosis affecting neutrophils and is often associated with infections and inflammation from injuries and arthritis. Known causes of neutrophilia include:
An adverse reaction to drugs such as steroids, lithium, and inhalers
Emotional or physical stress
Certain types of leukemia
Removal of Spleen
Smoking
Lymphocytes in your blood create T cells that directly destroy harmful invaders and B cells that produce antibodies to recognize these foreign cells if seen again by the immune system.
Lymphocytosis is an increased number of these types of cells. It is a common type of leukocytosis associated with viral infections and leukemia. Known causes of lymphocytosis include:
Allergic reactions
Viral infections
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Certain types of leukemia
Monocytes. These cells are larger and live longer than many white blood cells. They work to help to break down bacteria and remove cellular debris.
Monocytosis, which is uncommon, happens when there are many of these cells. Known causes of monocytosis include:
Infections caused by certain things, including mononucleosis, Epstein Barr virus, tuberculosis, and fungus
Removal of Spleen
Autoimmune diseases
Eosinophils are white blood cells that attack parasites and react to inflammation.
An elevated number of these cells is Eosinophilia. Known causes of Eosinophilia include:
Seasonal allergies
Other types of allergic reactions
Certain kinds of skin diseases
Certain types of cancer
Basophils are small cells that create a reaction when infectious agents invade your blood. These white blood cells secrete chemicals such as histamine, a marker of allergic disease, which help control the body's immune response.
Basophilia is a rare condition when there is a high level of these types of cells. It is associated with leukemia. Known causes of basophilia include:
Bone marrow cancer or leukemia (more common)
Allergic reactions (less common)
Signs and Symptoms
Allergic reaction in the lungs that causes wheezing or breathing problems
Allergic skin reactions including hives, itchy skin, and rashes
Dizziness, or feeling faint or sweaty
Infection site pain or fever
Mouth, stomach, or intestinal bleeding (areas of the body covered with mucosa)
