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Know the Causes of Excess White Blood Cells and the Risks that Lurk

White blood cells are parts of the body that play a role in fighting disease. However, excess white blood cells does not make the body more immune to disease. Conversely, this condition indicates an imbalance and interference that can be dangerous. Basically there are three types of blood cells: red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets (platelets) that make blood clot, and white blood cells (leukocytes) that help the body fight infection. There are 5 main types of white blood cells namely: basophils, eosinophils , neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Each type of white blood cell has a role in the immune system. Leukocytosis is a situation when a person produces more white blood cells than normal levels. Generally, adults who have more than 11,000 white blood cells or leukocytes in each microliter of blood are categorized high. Blood tests are performed to determine the level of white blood cells. Usually, excess white blood cells are found when the doctor wants to diagnose and find the cause of certain symptoms that the patient complains of, such as fever. The results of this examination and the results of other further tests then determine the cause of the symptoms that you are experiencing. This increased production of white blood cells can be caused by various things, ranging from mild to severe, namely:
  • The body has a bacterial or viral infection. However, the HIV virus that attacks the immune system will actually reduce the number of certain leukocytes, more precisely the CD4 cells.
  • Take medications such as certain corticosteroids. But the use of corticosteroids in the long term can actually reduce levels of white blood cells.
  • Certain types of cancer such as leukemia.
  • Inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Allergic or stress reaction.
  • Some respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis or whooping cough.
  • Polycythemia vera is a rare condition in which the body produces excess blood cells.
Increased production of white blood cells is actually a form of the body's defense against external reactions that are considered to be dangerous. These foreign reactions take the form of infections, allergic reactions, injuries / trauma. When the body is injured, the risk of entry of foreign matter and bacteria is higher. That is why the body produces more white blood cells. Stress, smoking, and pregnancy can also increase white blood cell counts. Infection often causes an increase in white blood cells, usually caused by bacteria, and several types of viruses. Although rare, infections can also be caused by fungi and parasites. An increase in white blood cells during an infection is a form of the body's reaction to fight these foreign reactions. To determine the cause of excess white blood cells, usually the doctor will also suggest checking the type of (differential count) of white blood cells. This procedure is to monitor the type of white blood cells are increasing. Neutrophils often increase in bacterial infections, basophils and eosinophils can increase in allergic conditions or parasitic infections such as worms. But keep in mind, each infectious disease has its own characteristics that are reflected in blood tests. To determine the possible cause of the infection, you need to consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Among the various diseases and conditions above, leukemia is one condition that needs to be watched out for. Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells where abnormalities occur which causes the number of white blood cells to increase dramatically and cannot function normally. The body of leukemia sufferers produces more white blood cells in the bone marrow than is needed, so instead of fighting infection, these excess white blood cells actually interfere with the work of the body's organs. Symptoms that may occur in patients with leukemia, namely: anemia or appear pale, often feel tired and dizzy, spontaneous bleeding (often nosebleeds, bleeding in the gums for no apparent reason), pain in the bones and joints, weight loss without a known cause, swollen lymph nodes, often fever, and easy bruising. This condition is more common in men and is more common in Caucasians. In white blood cells affected by leukemia, these cells cannot function properly. In general, leukemia is divided into acute and chronic types. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is usually more common in children, but can also occur in adults. In adults, this type of leukemia is more difficult to treat Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is commonly suffered by people over 60 years of age, this type of leukemia is almost never found in children. The cause of leukemia is not known with certainty so that nothing can be done to prevent it. But it is known, DNA mutations in cells in the bone marrow are known to be a cause of leukemia. But several factors such as smoking, family history of leukemia, and exposure to certain chemicals can trigger the development of this condition. Radiation therapy used to treat cancer can even trigger leukemia. Given the various causes that may occur, make sure you get an explanation and treatment of a doctor once you know that your body is experiencing the symptoms above. Especially if there are underlying risk factors. Excess white blood cells are sometimes asymptomatic if the cause is not known with certainty. Treatment will be tailored to the underlying cause.

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