Leukocytes in the blood are determined within the framework of the GCA (general clinical analysis). Male and female indicators may differ according to the standards adopted in laboratory diagnostics, which is associated with differences in hormonal and reproductive system. If leukocytes in a woman’s blood are elevated, this may be due to both general health problems and gender specific factors.
Brief information about leukocytes and their position in blood tests
Blood is divided into plasma, that is, the liquid part, and the cellular component, represented by the formed elements.
An extended clinical blood test includes all types of leukocytes:
The totality of the listed blood cells makes up the leukogram (leukocyte formula). Neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils represent a group of granulocytes (leukocytes containing granules in their nuclei, otherwise known as grains). Lymphocytes and monocytes belong to agranulocytes (non-granular, colorless cells).
The norm of leukocytes in the blood of women and possible deviations
The laboratory value for leukocytes is the number of cells per 1 ml of blood, multiplied by a billion (10^9/l). The remaining components of the leukocyte formula are measured as a percentage (%). The number of leukocytes is normal depending on age (*10^9/l).
Due to gender characteristics, an increase in the number of leukocyte cells in female blood happen:
- During the premenstrual period. The body is preparing to compensate for the weakening caused by the upcoming blood loss and prevent possible inflammation. An increase in level by 2-3 cells*10^9/l is not considered a pathology.
- In the second half of the perinatal period. Related to collateral increased protection pregnant woman and fetus from negative influences and active preparation of the body for delivery. The normative limits are: from 7.6 to 10 cells*10^9/l – in the second trimester, from 10.4 to 12 cells*10^9/l – in the third trimester.
- During the postpartum period. Slight leukocytosis in the first 3–4 days after birth is due to the desire of the immune system to protect the body, weakened labor. When mother and baby are discharged, their white blood cell levels should return to normal.
A decrease in the concentration of leukocytes in women is observed during menopause and the postmenopausal period. This is due to a decrease and further stop in the synthesis of sex hormones, as well as age-related weakening of immune capabilities. Acceptable values are: from 3.3 to 8.8 cells*10^9/l – at the age of 45–55 years, from 3.1 to 7.5 cells*10^9/l – in the age category 55+.
Reference! An increased leukocyte level is called leukocytosis, a decrease in the number of leukocytes is called leukopenia.
In an abbreviated version of the blood test, only the total number of leukocytes is recorded. When determining leukocytosis or leukopenia, first of all, an extended OKA is prescribed, including full transcript leukograms.
Normal leukogram for women of reproductive age
Features of leukogram during pregnancy
In addition to the physiological characteristics of the female body, the number of leukocytes can change under the influence of the following nutritional factors:
- Intense sports training (other physical activity). With excessive physical activity, the concentration of all blood elements increases.
- Psycho-emotional overload. A state of chronic stress weakens the body's defenses, and the level of leukocyte cells decreases.
- Eating before blood sampling. For full work digestive system a larger number of leukocytes is required, so their number increases after eating. Excessive consumption of meat causes a chronic increase in the level of white blood cells.
- Nicotine addiction. Substances included in the composition tobacco smoke, increase the concentration of erythrocytes and reduce the content of leukocytes.
- Scheduled vaccinations. In the first days after vaccination, the number of microorganisms and white blood cells decreases.
- Overheating of the body on the eve of blood donation. When visiting a bathhouse (sauna), prolonged exposure to the sun, or working in hot workshops, the production of protective cellular elements increases.
- Adrenaline injection. Postadrenaline leukocytosis occurs when therapeutic injections of the specific hormone adrenaline are necessary.
To avoid discrepancies between the test results and the actual state of the body, before donating blood for testing, you must adhere to certain preparation rules.
Conditions for preparing for OKA of blood
To exclude negative impact external factors, and obtaining reliable results, before analysis a woman must:
- 2-3 days before the blood sampling procedure, adjust your diet. Should be removed from the menu fatty foods, fried foods, alcoholic drinks.
- Interrupt treatment with medications (except for vital ones, the use of which must be reported to the doctor).
- On the eve of the analysis, reduce physical activity (sports training, preferably exclude).
- Give up nicotine within 1–2 hours.
Before the procedure, neuropsychological stress should be avoided.
Leukocytosis in women
Pathological causes Increases in leukocytes in the blood are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Inflammation can be localized in any area of the body, so additional studies are prescribed in accordance with the symptoms presented by the patient.
In addition to inflammation, leukocytosis provokes dysfunction of the bone marrow in the production of white blood cells. This category in most cases includes oncohematological diseases (cancers of the circulatory and lymphatic systems), and other oncopathologies.
Important! Leukocytosis is not a disease, but a clinical diagnostic sign of inflammatory and oncological processes in the body. A high level of colorless cells in the blood is the basis for prescribing to the patient extensive examination.
- emotiogenic leukocytosis caused by stress;
- myogenic, provoked by muscle overload;
- food, associated with the characteristics of gastronomic habits;
- adhydremic, occurring against the background of dehydration (dehydration) of the body.
Absolute leukocytosis is a blood condition in which all types of leukocytes increase.
Main reasons
HIV and AIDS reduce the number of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes and lymphocytes have a sharp decline in values). In diseases of the urinary system, an increased content of leukocytes in the blood and urine is characteristic of inflammation:
- bladder walls (cystitis) and walls urethra(urethritis);
- pyelocaliceal system and tissue (parenchyma) of the kidneys (pyelonephritis);
- glomerulus, otherwise renal glomeruli (glomerulonephritis).
- bladder and kidneys caused by stone deposition (urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis).
Leukocytosis accompanies chronic kidney diseases: hollow neoplasm (kidney cyst), protein deposits in the kidneys (renal amyloidosis), nephrotuberculosis and diabetic nephropathy, kidney necrosis (death). Absolute leukocytosis may occur after blood transfusion.
Hemotransfusion is a blood transfusion procedure
Types of leukocytosis and their causes
Why does there be an increase in the concentration of one type of colorless cells relative to others? This is due to the area of responsibility of various leukocytes for the destruction of a certain type of antigens that have entered the body. Such leukocyte changes are classified as:
- neutrophilia (otherwise neutrophilia);
- monocytosis;
- lymphocytosis (lymphocytophilia);
- basophilia;
- eosinophilia.
A skew in the analysis results gives the doctor reason to assume the presence of certain pathologies.
Neutrophilia
Neutrophils represent the most numerous group of leukocytes. Band cells are immature blood cells, an increase in the number of which is interpreted as a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left. If the situation is not caused by psychophysical overload, the doctor may suspect the presence of oncological processes (bone marrow fibrosis, otherwise myelofibrosis, malignant neoplasms internal organs and oncohematological processes).
In addition, a high level of band neutrophils is a sign of a diabetic crisis. Segmented are mature shaped elements blood, their extreme value in the analysis is diagnosed as cellular aging (shift of the formula to the right).
This condition is typical for chronic renal failure, depletion of bone marrow reserves (inability to produce new neutrophils). Neutrophilia is recorded in generalized or local bacterial infections:
- acute pneumonia and tuberculosis (kidney and lung);
- suppuration (abscess) in the muscles, subcutaneous layer, bones;
- appendicitis and peritonitis;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs caused by streptococci and streptococci;
- sepsis (blood poisoning).
Neutropenia occurs in the process of tissue death during gangrene and trophic ulcers, pancreatic necrosis, myocardial infarction.
Monocytosis
An increased level of monocytes accompanies:
In streptococcal and streptococcal infections, the level of monocytes decreases against the background of a significant increase in neutrophils
Eosinophilia
Eosinophilia can manifest itself in oncohematological diseases.
Classification of leukocytosis by percentage change in the leukocyte formula
Basophilia
Lymphocytosis
An increased concentration of lymphocytes is characteristic of the following diseases and pathological conditions of the body:
- traumatic damage to bones and soft tissues (including burns);
- bacterial and viral infections of various origins (origin);
- condition after splenectomy ( surgical removal spleen);
- diseases of an autoimmune nature;
- cyanocobalamin vitamin deficiency (lack of vitamin B 12).
With malignant lesions of lymphoid tissue, lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's disease) is characterized by a sharp decline lymphocytes, for lymphocytic leukemia - absolute lymphocytosis. The disease is not diagnosed by the number of leukocytes of one type or another, it is only assumed. The results of a blood test are always considered based on the comparative characteristics of all indicators.
Elimination of leukocytosis is possible with correct diagnosis reasons for changes in blood parameters. In addition to OKA, a biochemical blood test, urine test, and hardware diagnostic procedures (ultrasound, CT, X-ray, MRI, etc.) are prescribed. To eliminate the problem, treatment of the underlying disease that provoked an increase in leukocyte cells in the blood is required.
Results
The classification of leukocytes is determined by the activity of a particular type of cell against certain antigens. Detection of leukocytosis (increased levels of protective cells) is carried out during a general clinical blood test. For women, the norm is 4–9 *10^9/l.
The physiological increase in leukocytes is associated with:
- with pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome;
- excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress;
- poor nutrition;
- overheating of the body;
- nicotine addiction.
A pathological increase in leukocytes in the blood is a clinical diagnostic sign of inflammatory and oncohematological diseases. In this case, the woman requires further examination.
We have known since school that leukocytes perform quite a lot of functions in our body. However, even there can be an excess of them, as a result of which a person has many problems, which has a scientific name - leukocytosis.
Leukocytes - who are they?
Leukocytes mean a group of enzyme elements in the blood that play one of the most important roles in both the digestion and capture of microscopic organisms and protein complexes. They contribute to the production of antibodies and interferon. And without their help, the formation of the protective forces of the human body is simply impossible.
If we talk about the total number of leukocytes in the blood, then this is usually 4-9x109/l. However, the human body is not always in the same state. After all, people quite often become “hostages” of various kinds of diseases, stressful conditions and experiences. This means that, unfortunately, everyone can develop a disease such as leukocytosis.
Leukocytosis is a process in which the cellular composition of the blood changes and the level of white blood cells increases. Their activity in peripheral blood increases due to the appearance of infectious agents. In many cases, leukocytosis is a protective reaction and important feature in the diagnosis of many diseases.
White blood cell levels are different in adults and children. In adults, the leukocyte count is considered normal to be 9.0 × 10 / l, in children 32.0 × 10 / l, and at the age of 7 years 11.0 × 10 / l. Cellular and humoral immunity is formed with the help of leukocytes, due to which a protective function is formed. They are able to dissolve damaged tissue and carry out the histolic task, and in the embryonic period destroy the anlage.
Absolute leukocytosis is caused by increased production of leukocytes. Patients in an agonal state are accompanied by agonal leukocytosis.
Local leukocytosis is accompanied by a redistribution of leukocytes in a certain area of the vascular bed.
Intense muscle work is accompanied by myogenic leukocytosis.
When going to vertical position from horizontal, orthostatic leukocytosis will occur.
The transition of white blood cells from the depot to the bloodstream is accompanied by redistributive leukocytosis.
When adrenaline is introduced into the body, post-adrenaline leukocytosis occurs.
With severe emotional shock, emotiogenic leukocytosis occurs.
Also in relation to leukocytosis, a reverse change in the blood may occur - leukopenia. The total number of leukocytes decreases. Also, granulocytic forms, primarily neutrophils, are significantly reduced due to radioactive radiation, chemical poisoning, and viral infections. At the same time, the release of leukocytes from the foci into the bloodstream is slowed down, and elimination is accelerated.
The composition of leukocytes includes the following enzymes: proteases, diastases, lipases, peptidases, located in calm state. The sizes of leukocytes are from 7 to 20 microns. They perform their function outside the boundaries of the vessels; they need the vascular bed in order to be able to move. They are also characterized by an amoeboid movement, thanks to which they manage to penetrate the capillary endothelium, heading towards the affected area. Negative chemotoxin - reverse movement of leukocytes. Their average duration life can reach 20 years.
The main tasks of leukocytes are the formation of humoral and cellular immunity, implementation of histological and morphogenic functions.
Causes of leukocytosis
The main reasons for the development of leukocytosis include:
- Physical work;
- Pregnancy;
- Taking very cold or hot baths;
- Improper eating;
- Infectious diseases such as meningitis, sepsis, pyelonephritis and pneumonia;
- Inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms, such as peritonitis and phlegmon;
- Weakened immune system;
- Excessive blood loss...
The causes of leukocytosis are varied:
The appearance of any acute infectious process: plague, ARVI, cholera, influenza provoke the disease, as immunocompetent cells begin to react;
In case of chronic inflammatory disease of any organ. However, the manifestation of leukocytosis will be less pronounced due to the fact that the body gets used to it and does not fight;
In the case of injured tissue, since blood cells will rush to the required place;
When eating, the level will be increased, since leukocytes will enter the blood circulation from the depot and begin to accumulate in the submucosal part of the intestine. Despite the fact that the process is physiological, you should not eat food before donating blood, otherwise it may mislead the doctor;
In the presence of autoimmune diseases, because the body is constantly fighting. For this reason, the test should not be performed if an obvious allergic reaction is present. Eosophilic leukocytosis occurs, which is accompanied by the accelerated formation or release of eosophils into the blood. As a rule, the disease is not observed in healthy people, however, it is quite common with vaccination, Loeffler's syndrome, scarlet fever, dermatoses, helminthic infestations, Quincke's edema, lymphogranulomatosis, myeloid leukemia, bronchial asthma, eosophilic pulmonary infiltrates, pulmonary periarteritis;
During physical and psycho-emotional stress, in which white blood cells also take part;
On admission medicines into the body, blood cells react to them as foreign bodies and multiply vigorously;
Unlike adults, leukocytosis occurs more often in children, since the above factors must be taken into account that the body in childhood reacts more often and faster to various influences. Running, outdoor games, and physical activity provoke an increase in white blood cells. They have a metabolic function in newborns, and high levels would be very alarming;
During pregnancy, white blood cells protect the woman and baby, so high levels are a physiological process. However, the formation of basophilic leukocytosis, in which the formation of basophils increases, is possible. White blood cells also stimulate contractile uterine function and prevent infections;
The leukocyte count in men is stable in the absence of exercise by force sports, intense muscle work. These factors are the main cause of high leukocytosis;
Impaired leukopoiesis in the bone marrow is not associated with physiological effects, but is a confirmation of the presence of the disease.
Physiological leukocytosis is caused by the redistribution of an increased number of white cells into the vessels of different organs. As a rule, it occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, the premenstrual period, eating, cold and hot baths, and physical work. Smoking also increases white blood cell levels during the day.
The pathological occurrence of leukocytosis is very dangerous and is associated with diseases such as pyelonephritis, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis and many others. And also in connection with diseases that affect the cells of the immune system and cause an inflammatory process. Exceptions will be diseases that occur with leukopenia (rubella, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, measles, brucellosis, malaria in the acute phase). High leukocytosis indicates a struggle in the body; otherwise, it will indicate an unfavorable outcome.
Also, the development of leukocytosis is provoked by inflammatory processes of non-microbial etiology, various heart attacks, which are based on aseptic inflammation, blood loss, burns, and malignant formations. The only exception would be metastases in the bone marrow, as a result of which hematopoiesis is disrupted and leukopenia occurs. Also uremia diabetic coma and the removed spleen contribute to the development of the pathological form of the disease.
Leukocytosis by natural origin can be divided into exogenous and endogenous. The reasons for its occurrence can be physical (the effect of ionizing radiation on the body), chemical (low oxygen levels in the air, alcohol, taking drugs that stimulate cell proliferation), biological ( increased level leukopoiesis and histamine, elements of dead viruses, bacteria).
Short-term leukocytosis can occur during the release of leukocytes into the blood (stress, hypothermia). Reactive leukocytosis may disappear along with the cause of its formation.
In the presence of nonspecific ulcerative colitis, myxedema, chronic myeloid leukemia and pregnancy, basophilic leukocytosis is quite common, however, it is a rare clinical and hematological syndrome. In the presence of a chronic form of myeloid leukemia, an increased level of basophils indicates unfavorable signs.
In the presence of whooping cough, viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, syphilis and other specific infections, lymphocytic leukocytosis is detected. Its mechanism of action is completely unknown. An increased number of lymphocytes, which are determined by a leukocytogram, are not true, but relative and are associated with leukopenia.
The onset of the septic process will be indicated by monocytic leukocytosis. As a rule, this form manifests itself in patients with tuberculosis, brucellosis, malaria, typhus, ovarian and breast cancer, sarcoidosis, Infectious mononucleosis, systemic disease connective tissue, septic endocarditis.
An increased level of monocytes is observed in patients with agranulocytosis during the recovery stage. A consistently elevated level of monocytes is characteristic of monocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia. In the presence of agranulocytosis, an increase in monocytes will indicate the beginning of bleeding regeneration.
Symptoms of leukocytosis
As for the symptoms of leukocytosis, they may not exist, especially if the emphasis is on the disease that caused it. However, some of them should still attract your attention, especially if you consider yourself an absolutely healthy person:
- Increased body temperature;
- Bleeding and/or frequent bruising;
- Unreasonable fatigue, weakness, malaise;
- Dizziness, fainting, increased sweating;
- Pain or tingling in the arms, legs and abdominal cavity;
- Labored breathing;
- Visual impairment;
- Unreasonable weight loss and/or poor appetite.
Leukocytosis is not an independent disease and for this reason the symptoms indicate diseases that contributed to its development. Children often have no symptoms and for this reason constant monitoring of blood counts is necessary. This will detect leukocytosis on early stage development. Adults are usually asymptomatic.
The most dangerous type of leukocytosis, which is quite rare, is blood cancer or leukemia. In order not to miss the onset of development, you need to know the symptoms. The most common are:
Lethargy, fatigue, weakness, malaise that occurs for no reason;
Sweating increases at night and body temperature rises;
Bruises and bruises often form, spontaneous hemorrhages occur;
Dizziness, fainting;
Pain in the abdominal cavity, upper and lower extremities;
Breathing becomes difficult and shortness of breath appears;
Appetite decreases;
Vision is impaired;
Unexplained weight loss.
If you detect more than two of the above symptoms, you must immediately contact a specialist and take a blood test.
As a rule, in the event of leukopenia (low levels of white blood cells), the disease is accompanied by bright severe symptoms. The body gradually begins to weaken, immunity decreases. As a result, the body is more vulnerable to various infectious diseases.
Signs indicating the spread of an infectious disease: weakness, increased body temperature, pulse becomes rapid, chills appear. Further, inflammatory processes may occur in the oral cavity, ulcers appear in the intestines, the glands become swollen, the spleen and tonsils will increase in size. The presence of certain symptoms will depend on which particular leukocytes are missing. Leukocytosis affects the general condition of the patient. Launched form results in fatal outcome. The risk of developing a malignant neoplasm also doubles.
Leukocytosis in children
Unfortunately, leukocytosis occurs in children no less frequently than in adults, and there are significant differences from the leukocytosis experienced by adults. This is due to the fact that in childhood the immune system is poorly developed. The presence of a diagnosis is indicated by an increased level of leukocytes. Leukocytosis in newborns is within the normal range of 9-30x109/l, and at the age of up to three years the norm is considered to be 6-17x109/l, and at the age of up to 10 years - 6-11x109/l. When donating blood, deviations from the above norms will be evidence of the presence of the disease.
The younger the child is, the greater the likelihood of leukocytosis. This is facilitated by increased physical activity, stress, hereditary predisposition, poor nutrition, changes in temperature and many other factors. However, all these factors provoke only a slight change in the body, and after a certain time all indicators return to normal. Even having the flu helps increase the number of white blood cells. However, if you start timely treatment of ARVI, then literally in a few days the number of leukocytes will return to normal.
Often, when leukocytosis is detected, malignant tumors and diseases of the cardiovascular system are detected. Despite this, the disease itself does not pose a significant threat, since the child’s blood count changes quickly and leukocytes can be easily normalized.
Newborns have a greater predisposition to leukocytosis due to the inflammatory infectious process. Also, high leukocytosis is evidence of the presence of neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases. However, you can find cases where the disease is considered to be a normal physiological process.
Early detection of leukocytosis in childhood will allow treatment to begin at the initial stage, achieving maximum effect. Otherwise, serious consequences may arise. The formation of a pathological form of leukocytosis can be provoked by:
Children's infectious diseases;
Inflammatory processes accompanied by purulent foci;
Large-scale burns;
Oncological diseases;
Major blood loss;
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Diagnosis of leukocytosis
To diagnose leukocytosis, a blood test is performed, during which the level of leukocytes and, in some cases, the reasons that caused its change are determined. But remember once and for all that blood is donated to identify the form of leukocytosis according to certain rules. Therefore, before you decide to go and get a blood test, be sure to ask your doctor about them. For example, in order to detect physiological leukocytosis, blood must be donated on an empty stomach, and also, before going for the test, you cannot engage in heavy physical work, as the results will simply be incorrect.
Treatment of leukocytosis
The choice of treatment for leukocytosis depends on what exactly caused it.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to treat and prevent the infection that caused the leukocytosis. Sometimes this is just a precaution, and in some cases antibiotics help prevent sepsis;
- Steroid medications are used to relieve or reduce inflammation and thus reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood;
- Antacids help reduce the amount of acid in the urine while treating leukocytosis;
- Level-lowering drugs uric acid. Reducing the volume can prevent the destruction of body tissue, which sometimes results in leukocytosis.
Treatment for leukocytosis is based on the patient's symptoms and history.
Leukocytosis in newborns includes treatment of the underlying infectious disease with the prescription of antibiotics. Although there are cases when the child’s body begins to respond to treatment, reducing symptoms, thus returning leukocytes to normal levels is a little more difficult. In case of a cold, treatment for the disease itself should be started in a timely manner, and the leukocytes will normalize on their own after a certain time.
It is possible, simultaneously with competent drug treatment, to treat leukocytosis with folk remedies. The most effective method is a decoction of lingonberries and their leaves. For example, one spoon of berries and leaves is poured with boiling water and boiled for 15 minutes. Then the resulting broth must be filtered. It is recommended to drink no more than three times a day. You can also brew white birch buds for 30 minutes at the rate of one tablespoon per glass of water. The decoction is taken no more than four times a day. The decoction of strawberries and leaves must be poured with boiling water and cooked for no more than 5 minutes. All decoctions have a positive effect on the general condition of leukocytosis.
The method of treating leukocytosis completely depends on the disease that accompanied its occurrence. Well drug therapy will be prescribed after a full diagnosis. Prescribed antibiotics are aimed at treating and preventing infection and preventing the development of sepsis. To reduce or eliminate the inflammatory process, steroids are prescribed to reduce the level of white blood cells. In order to reduce the level of acid in the urine, antacids are prescribed. In case of an allergic reaction, antihistamines may be prescribed.
In rare cases, excess white blood cells are removed using leukapheresis. Doctors will either deliver the leukocyte concentrate obtained as a result of the procedure to the donor center or infuse it back into the patient. Drugs may also be prescribed to prevent the tissue destruction that leukocytosis provokes.
If leukocytosis is detected during pregnancy, specialists prescribe treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of its occurrence. If there is an infectious disease and treatment with already prescribed medications is ineffective, antibiotics will be prescribed that are appropriate for the duration of pregnancy without harm to the child. Drugs are selected for each woman individually, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs. If the pathogen cannot be determined, then treatment will not give any results. In case of proper treatment and exactly followed recommendations, a woman will be able to protect not only herself, but also her child. In this case, the use of folk remedies is strictly prohibited.
It is also necessary to take into account that refusal of medications during pregnancy can provoke prolonged inflammatory processes that will lead to serious consequences. The disease, which will progress in the body of the expectant mother, can terminate the pregnancy or create complications. It is for this reason that treatment of leukocytosis in pregnant women is extremely important.
An important stage in the treatment process is proper individual nutrition. When reduced level leukocytes, the diet should be enriched with foods that stimulate the production of hemoglobin. It is best to eat foods enriched with vitamin B9, legumes, and drink milk. You should also limit your consumption of meat products, completely excluding kidneys and liver.
Leukocytosis during pregnancy
Immune cells create reliable protection for the mother and unborn child from various infections and viruses. If there is an increased level of white blood cells, this is evidence of an infection. A reduced level of white blood cells is evidence of decreased immunity. The presence of renal pathology will be indicated by high leukocytosis in a vaginal smear and urine test.
The causes of leukocytosis during pregnancy may be as follows:
Having asthma;
The presence of an inflammatory process;
Presence of an allergic reaction;
Large blood loss;
Infectious diseases;
Damaged tissue;
Malignant neoplasms;
Vaginal candidiasis;
Strong emotional shocks.
Pregnant women, when registering, are required to donate blood to determine the level of leukocytes. The presence of leukocytosis in this period is considered physiological phenomenon however, an elevated level (more than 20) will already indicate the presence of infection, as a rule, urinary tract(vaginitis, thrush, cystitis, colpitis). The partner can also become a source of infection.
With increased leukocytosis, the urine acquires a dark color and becomes cloudy with the loss of a loose mucous sediment. A leukocyte level of up to three units is considered normal. In some cases, leukocytosis can develop within several hours, which is a strong threat to the child’s life.
Too high a level of leukocytes is always a sign of the presence of a bacterial or viral infection, a purulent process, or internal bleeding. However, it must be taken into account that there is always a risk of developing hyperleukocytosis. The disease develops rapidly, sometimes in a matter of hours, and will progress.
Leukocytosis poses a threat to the woman and the fetus, including congenital pathological and chronic diseases, and can even cause miscarriage. The presence of leukocytosis in the smear will indicate an increased number of purulent cells. In this case, there may be no symptoms, including discharge. The most common causes are:
The presence of a sexually transmitted infection most often causes leukocytosis. The following symptoms are possible: itching, discharge, redness of the external genitalia. Lack of sexual intercourse Lately cannot indicate that there is no infection.
Presence of kidney stones. Small stones passing through the urinary tract injure it, causing inflammation.
The presence of dysbacteriosis. If the bacteria are pathological or present in large quantities, then a violation of the bacterial composition of the genitourinary tract occurs. Leukocytosis occurs as a result of inflammation.
With cervical erosion and cystitis, leukocytosis is a concomitant phenomenon of inflammation in these organs. In this case, pus will flow into the vagina and appear in a smear.
Physiological leukocytosis can occur with: severe stress; taking hot baths; 3 hours after eating; during the second trimester of pregnancy. Based on this, when taking the test, it is necessary that the expectant mother does not eat, is calm, does not do physical activity and does not feel tired or nervous.
But the best treatment for both this and other diseases is its prevention. Try to devote as much time as possible to your health: exercise, eat right, maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, this will not give you a 100% guarantee that you will never get sick. But in this way you will definitely reduce the risk of developing leukocytosis to “no”!
Neutrophilic leukocytosis
Neurophilic leukocytosis is accompanied by increased formation and release of neutrophils into the blood, in which an increased number of leukocytes is noted in the vascular bed. A similar condition can be observed in acute infections, chronic inflammation, blood diseases. In the presence of an acute infectious disease, an accelerated release of neutrophils from the bone marrow occurs.
It is also possible that the disease may develop due to prolonged drug treatment. If you have this form of the disease, you must limit yourself from physical activity, stressful situations, overexcitation, since in this case the neutrophils will only increase. There are two types of disease: pathological and physiological neutrophilic leukocytosis.
Neutrophilic leukocytosis, caused by many diseases, is called true. Its manifestation is more persistent and the duration of the course depends on the form, severity, nature and course of the disease. The presence of blast and juvenile forms of leukocytes in the peripheral blood will indicate a severe course of the disease.
The presence of endo- and exogenous intoxications, bacterial and inflammatory diseases is most often accompanied by true neutrophilic leukocytosis. In case of intoxication, leukocytes appear as toxic granularity.
The following types of neutrophilic leukocytosis are distinguished:
Regenerative, in which they increase proportionally different shapes granulocytic leukocytes released into the metamyelocyte bloodstream;
Degenerative, in which there is an increased content of rod-nuclear cells with dystrophic changes, which are characterized by a decrease in the number of segmented nuclear leukocytes. The disease can also occur in patients suffering from oxygen starvation, with significant blood loss, or in the presence of acute hemolysis.
When diagnosing leukocytosis, a blood test is first performed to accurately determine the number of leukocytes, as well as to identify the causes that caused this condition. In some cases, a peripheral blood smear is taken and a bone marrow biopsy is performed. To select the correct treatment, the specialist conducts a complete diagnosis.
In case of low white blood cell levels, laboratory blood tests should be performed three times. It is necessary not only to find out the total number of leukocytes, but to know the exact number of each type individually. The leukocyte formula is calculated.
Often, a blood test shows that the leukocytes in the blood are elevated. The reasons for women are very diverse - from a banal acute respiratory infection to serious illnesses. What elevated white blood cells indicate should be understood in each individual case. For this purpose, additional laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.
What are leukocytes?
Leukocytes are white blood cells. They protect the body by absorbing pathogenic microbes. They were first discovered by scientists I. Mechnikov and P. Ehrlich, who in 1908 received the Nobel Prize for this discovery. Scientists have developed a theory of immune defense and described different types of leukocytes.
Leukocytes can penetrate the cell wall and engulf foreign microorganisms. This process is called phagocytosis, and the leukocytes involved in it are called phagocytes. To maintain immunity, white cells are constantly synthesized in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.
How long do white calves live?
Their lifespan is 10-12 days.
Where are leukocytes destroyed?
If too many pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the cells, the phagocytes grow in size and are destroyed.
The result of destruction is a local inflammatory reaction, expressed in redness and swelling of the tissue. An even larger number of white cells join the site of inflammation, they die, destroying foreign cells. Purulent discharge is nothing more than dead leukocytes.
Leukocytes are diverse in their appearance and functions. Some of them provoke phagocytosis, others synthesize antibodies. Based on this feature, white cells are divided into two large groups:
- Granular: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.
- Non-granular: lymphocytes, monocytes.
Therefore, a blood test examines the leukocyte formula, that is, the balance of different types of leukocytes. If a so-called shift to the right is detected, then they speak of an increase in the number of young leukocytes; with a shift to the left, mature “old” cells predominate in the blood.
Norm of leukocytes in the blood (table)
The norm of leukocytes in the blood of adults and children differs. In children, the number of white cells is always higher and changes with age. White blood cells also increase slightly in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, and this is considered normal and does not require treatment.
Leukocytes play an important role in the blood composition. This is a heterogeneous group of cells that have an irregular round shape, a nucleus and sizes from 6 to 20 microns. They are called white blood cells. This designation is somewhat arbitrary, since the color of the cells is purple-pink.
The birthplace of leukocytes in our body is the bone marrow. It is he who is responsible for their sufficient and timely production.
The main mission of leukocytes is protection. They are an important part of the immune system. These blood components protect the body from harmful elements and the development of pathological processes.
The concentration of leukocytes in the blood is one of the significant indicators of a person’s health status. Exceeding their number indicates that undesirable processes are occurring in the body, which require immediate consultation with a doctor.
Groups of leukocytes and their functions
An increase in the level of leukocytes is recorded both in general and for individual types. The leukocyte formula reflects all their components: 
Each type of leukocyte has its own mission. Together they work hard:
- over the destruction of bacterial infection in the blood;
- strengthening general immunity and strengthening immune memory;
- neutralization of foreign microorganisms that have entered the bloodstream;
- elimination of antigens that provoke allergies.
White blood cells are called scout cells. All their components are very mobile and dynamic. They easily penetrate the space between cells, find harmful substances and neutralize them. Thus, leukocytes protect the human body from many infections and viruses.
The performance of protective functions is accompanied by massive death of leukocytes. Healthy body instantly reacts to this and produces new white cells. Various pathologies often disrupt this process: leukocytes can be produced in excess.
It would seem that this is not bad: after all, additional defenders appear in the body. However, any imbalance in the composition of the blood signals the development of pathologies.
Exceeding the norm by leukocytes is easily determined by studying the composition of the life-giving fluid. A condition in which the number of white cells exceeds the optimal level is called leukocytosis.
Clinical manifestations of elevated white blood cells
Leukocytosis has no specific characteristics, only it characteristic symptoms. After all, it does not apply to independent diseases, since it is only a certain state of the body. Therefore, its manifestations correspond to the symptoms of those ailments that caused the growth of leukocytes.
For example, we can highlight:
- constant feeling of fatigue;
- unreasonable illness;
- profuse night sweats;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- feeling that you are about to lose consciousness;
- dizziness and short-term fainting;
- the appearance of bruises and bruises without injuries;
- loss of appetite and weight;
- painful sensations in the limbs and abdominal cavity;
- breathing problems;
- noticeable visual impairment.
An excess of leukocytes in the blood is a condition that cannot be ignored. You must definitely contact a specialist and follow all his instructions.
Elevated leukocytes in the blood: causes
An elevated white blood cell count does not necessarily indicate the development of disease. Their number may increase healthy person after:
- intense physical activity. Research shows that exercise stimulates white blood cell counts to rise above optimal levels;
- heavy intake of fatty and spicy foods;
- significant emotional experiences;
- staying in the sun, in a sauna or in areas with elevated temperatures (hot workshops);
- smoking;
- long-term use of certain medications.
This leukocytosis is physiological. It differs in that all components of leukocytes increase slightly, simultaneously and in equal proportions.
It is divided into two types:
І. Reactive or benign.
ІІ. Leukocytosis in leukemia– a rapidly developing malignant disease of the hematopoietic system.
The benign type of leukocytosis is short-term and goes away after treatment of the underlying disease.
An increase in the number of white cells due to the development of malignant diseases is life-threatening. Leukemia takes a long time to treat and is not always successful.
The level of white blood cell growth during the development of the disease reflects how severe it is.
Blood test data informs which groups of white cells exceed the norm. Depending on this, leukocytosis is distinguished:
- Neutrophilic– the number of constituent leukocytes of the same name increases sharply. This happens when the body develops bacterial infection, acute and prolonged inflammatory process. It is observed during blood loss and intoxication of the body.
Neutrophilic leukocytosis can accompany the onset of malignant tumors in the bone marrow. But such cases medical statistics recorded infrequently.
- Eosinophilic– also signals the presence of an inflammatory process in the human body. Most often, the number of eosinophils increases due to allergies, including to certain medications.
- Basophilic– accompanies diseases thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract, pathology of the spleen.
- Lymphocytic– possible with severe infections such as hepatitis and tuberculosis. This group of leukocytes also increases significantly in cases of rubella, chickenpox and measles. As a rule, people suffer from such illnesses only once.
- Monocytic– possible in the recovery stage after serious infectious diseases. It often manifests itself in patients who have been trying to cure tuberculosis for a long time. Rarely, but it is also detected in cases of cancer.
Features of increased leukocytes in children
Leukocytosis in infants and slightly older children does not show any signs. It is determined only by the results of a laboratory blood test.
If these studies have recorded a significant increase in leukocytes in babies that are only a few days old, congenital leukemia is diagnosed. It is usually accompanied by serious disturbances in the development of the child: physique defects, heart defects, Down's disease. But, fortunately, congenital leukemia is rare.
The following reasons can increase the number of leukocytes in the blood of children older than one year:
Physiological:
- poor nutrition;
- intense physical activity;
- emotional turmoil.
Parents are simply obliged to protect their child from all this. They are able to compose proper diet nutrition and protect the baby’s psyche from emotional overload.
Pathological:
- infectious diseases;
- leukemia
A slight increase in the level of leukocytes indicates a minor illness or an illness of moderate severity.
Features of leukocytosis in women
- the period before the onset of menstruation;
- pregnancy;
- postpartum consequences.
Each of these natural situations creates considerable stress on the body. This is especially true for women in an “interesting position.” Pregnancy requires the mobilization of all internal resources, hidden reserves and capabilities of the body.
In women carrying a child, the immune system works harder, forcing the bone marrow to produce additional white blood cells. Shifts in the leukocyte formula do not occur; it remains unchanged.
An increase in the concentration of white cells is also provoked by hormonal imbalances, strong feelings and stress, from which it is impossible for a pregnant woman to escape.
Often in the fair sex, physiological leukocytosis manifests itself due to severe toxicosis.
At the end of the third trimester, the number of white blood cells increases slightly and they concentrate in the uterus. This is how the body prepares to protect the baby, who will be born very soon.
The reason for the increase in the number of leukocytes in a non-pregnant woman may be poor nutrition, frequent visits to the sauna, or constant bathing with too hot water.
Most common reasons pathological leukocytosis are:
- infections;
- injuries received: fractures, bruises, internal injuries;
- cardiac ischemia;
- significant blood loss and anemia;
- extensive burns.
Elevated leukocytes in men: features
Leukocytosis in men is most often diagnosed in conjunction with:
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs: bladder, rectum, seminal vesicles and prostate gland.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Kidney pathologies.
- Neoplasms.
Physiological leukocytosis is caused by:
- physical education and strenuous physical labor;
- irregular meals;
- disorderly and long-term use medicines.
The absence of the spleen, removed according to doctors' orders, also provokes the growth of leukocytes in both men and women.
Is leukocytosis treatable?
It is not the excess of leukocytes that is subject to treatment, but the disease that caused this condition. Having gotten rid of the disease, the body will quickly restore the composition of the blood, and its indicators will return to optimal values in a few days.
Most often, therapy involves prescribing:
- antibacterial drugs that should prevent the development of sepsis;
- anti-inflammatory medications;
- medications that reduce uric acid levels;
- chemotherapy drugs.
A hematologist may resort to leukapheresis - removing excess leukocytes from the bloodstream using a separator. But the effect of such a procedure is insignificant and unstable.
In order not to miss and prevent an increase in leukocytes, you must:
- periodically donate blood for analysis and undergo preventive examinations by specialists;
- do not ignore common colds;
- treat bacterial and viral infections in a timely manner;
- rest more;
- avoid overheating or hypothermia of the body;
- exclude bad habits and try to improve your immunity.
It won’t hurt to normalize your daily routine and remove spicy, smoked and fried foods from your diet. You need to limit your meat consumption and learn to eat in small portions.
If elevated leukocytes are detected, you should not self-medicate. Leukocytosis may be temporary and short-term, but it is possible that it signals the development of diseases that require medical attention.
Only a doctor can determine what the real reasons are that caused the growth of leukocytes. If necessary, he will prescribe additional studies and tests in order to determine the diagnosis as accurately as possible and prescribe effective treatment.
