Leukocytosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Leukocytosis is a condition of the body characterized by an increase in leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood. Leukocytosis is not a disease, but a sign that can be found in various diseases.
White blood cells function to fight germs that enter the body so they don’t cause infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of leukocytosis vary, depending on the disease that causes it. But in general, an increase in leukocytes is generally accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Excessive sweating at night
- No appetite
- Easily tired
- Weight tends to decrease
Reason
Leukocytosis is generally a sign of:
- The body’s response to fighting bacterial infection
- Medication side effects
- Diseases of the bone marrow that cause uncontrolled production of white blood cells
- Immune disorders
White blood cells consist of five types, namely monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. The increase in each type of white blood cell has a different meaning, as follows:
- Monocytes: an increase in monocytes generally indicates the presence of chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, and cancer.
- Lymphocytes: an increase in lymphocytes can be a sign of a viral infection, tuberculosis, lymphoma ( lymphoma ), and leukemia.
- Neutrophils: increased neutrophils occur in conditions of bacterial infection, trauma, and certain types of leukemia.
- Basophils: increased basophils occur in people with hypothyroidism or are taking certain medications.
- Eosinophils: High eosinophils can be a sign of a parasitic infection, allergic reaction, or asthma.
Diagnosis
Leukocytosis can be known from routine blood tests. The normal parameters of leukocytes vary in each laboratory, but generally, the normal value is 5,000–10,000/microliter. Leukocytosis occurs when a person’s leukocyte count is above 10,000/microliter.
Treatment
Treatment of leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause. If leukocytosis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are generally needed to treat it. However, if it is an infection with other germs that cause it (viruses, parasites), then the treatment cannot be carried out by administering antibiotics.
If leukocytosis occurs due to cancer, then the main treatment is the treatment of cancer. If this condition occurs due to an autoimmune disease, then the treatment is to treat the autoimmune disease experienced, generally using steroids and immunosuppressants.
Prevention
Prevention of leukocytosis depends on the cause. But in general, by adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle, the risk of leukocytosis can decrease.
Things that need to be done include:
- Eat hygienic food
- Avoid drinking sweetened beverages
- Eat lots of vegetables and fruit
- Doing physical exercise (cycling, brisk walking, jogging, swimming) regularly every day