Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis (from ancient Greek λευκός leukós , German 'white' , ancient Greek κύτος kýtos , German 'cavity, vessel, shell' and the suffix -ose from ancient Greek -σις -sis for a process) denotes an increase in leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood . Humans normally have about 4,400 to 11,300 leukocytes per microliter of blood. If this value is exceeded, one speaks of a leukocytosis, with leukocyte counts over 100,000 / µl also of a hyperleukocytosis . A decrease in the number of leukocytes is called leukopenia .

The differential blood count can be used to clarify which cell type is responsible for the increase in leukocytes. Often there is an increase in neutrophil granulocytes ( neutrophilia ) or lymphocytes ( lymphocytosis ), but the other white blood cells can also be affected by such an increase in cell count ( basophilia , eosinophilia , monocytosis ).

causes

Leukocytosis occurs in most of the infectious processes that are associated with acute inflammation, for example appendicitis ("inflammation of the appendix") and cholecystitis ( inflammation of the gallbladder). It can also be an indication of the onset of leukemia .

Furthermore, the administration of glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol ) causes leukocytosis with lymphopenia .

Even (inhalative) smoking often leads to mild leukocytosis (up to about 13,000 leukocytes per µl of blood).

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !