Deviation from the norm in the level of leukocytes can be associated with various conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and endocrine disorders. For an accurate diagnosis, it is critical to take into account the ratio of different types of leukocytes.
These thoughts were confirmed by a cardiologist, therapist and functional diagnostics specialist from the CenterPlus Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Federal Budgetary Institution Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Lyudmila Salamatina.
“Leukocytes play an important role in the body, fighting viruses, microbes and abnormal cells. However, to establish a diagnosis when their levels change, additional data is required, including the ratio of different types of leukocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes,” Salamatina explained.
A decrease in the level of white blood cells (leukopenia) can be caused by various reasonsincluding inflammatory processes, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic vasculitis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as diseases of the endocrine system.
Decreased white blood cell levelsmay be critical in severe bacterial infections (for example, pneumonia or sepsis), shock conditions and cancers affecting the bone marrow, since this is where white blood cells are formed. It is important to note that the blood response to various pathologies is so diverse that with cancer, the level of leukocytes can either increase or decrease, Salamatina emphasized.
Therapist Irina Andreeva told specially for MedicForumwhat diseases are indicated by elevated white blood cells.
“An increased level of white blood cells, or leukocytosis, can also be associated with various diseases and conditions. Leukocytosis is often observed with bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, urinary infections and others,” says Andreeva.
Inflammation
White blood cells are activated in response to inflammation, so inflammatory diseases such as appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and others can lead to elevated white blood cell levels.
Stress
“Emotional or physical stress can also cause a temporary increase in white blood cell levels.”
Injury and burns
Tissue damage, including trauma and burns, can cause leukocytosis in response to inflammation and processes healing.
Cancer
Some types of cancer, especially leukemia (blood cancer), lymphomas and bone marrow cancer, can lead to elevated levels of white blood cells.
Allergic reactions
For allergic reactions such as like asthma or allergic rhinitis, there may be an increase in the level of white blood cells.
Encounter with infectious agents
Leukocytes may also increase as a result of exposure to various infectious agents in the body, such as parasites and fungi.
“A high level of white blood cells is often a nonspecific sign, and its interpretation requires additional research to determine its specific cause.”
MedicForum previously wrote about the connection between vitamin K and blood clots.
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