Leukocytosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Leukocytosis is a condition where you have too many leukocytes in your blood. Leukocytes are also called white blood cells (WBCs). Your WBCs are part of your immune system, which fights infections and diseases. WBCs are made in your bone marrow, which is soft, spongy tissue inside your bones. Some of your WBCs remain in your bone marrow and some are released into your blood. Leukocytosis is most commonly caused by infection (from germs called bacteria) and inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). Leukocytosis can also be caused by problems with your bone marrow, like a cancer called leukemia. Certain medicines, emotional stress, and physical stress may also cause your leukocytosis.
  
  
• Leukocytosis is diagnosed by using a blood test that counts your white blood cells (a complete blood count). If your blood has a very high amount of WBCs, you may have a serious condition called hyperleukocytosis. Your caregiver will also do other tests to look for the cause of your leukocytosis. Leukocytosis may get better with or without treatment. If you do have treatment, your caregiver will usually treat the cause of your leukocytosis. He may also do procedures to decrease the amount of WBCs in your blood, such as leukapheresis. With treatment, your WBCs may return to a normal level. Your symptoms, such as pain and a poor appetite, may decrease.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help you treat or prevent the infection that is causing your leukocytosis. It may also help stop you from getting sepsis, which is a serious infection in your blood.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation. It may also help decrease the number of WBCs in your blood.
  
  
• Anti-uric acid medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease the amount of uric acid in your body. Uric acid is a chemical found in your blood. It may also help prevent more damage to your cells.
  
  
• Antacids: These medicines help decrease the acid in your urine during your treatment for leukocytosis.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Your caregiver may do blood tests during your follow-up visits. These tests may help to see if your WBCs are back to normal. You may also need other tests and treatments for the condition causing your leukocytosis.
  
  

Manage your stress:

Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Do not smoke:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask for information about how to stop smoking if you need help.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You bruise or bleed easily.
  
  
• You have weight loss without trying or a poor appetite.
  
  
• You feel nausea (sick to your stomach).
  
  
• You feel weak, tired, or sick.
  
  
• You feel dizzy, faint, or sweaty.
  
  
• You are a male and you have a painful erection that lasts longer than usual.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pain.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new trouble hearing or seeing.
  
  
• You have sudden trouble thinking.
  
  
• You have bleeding that does not stop.
  
  
• You have new pain or tingling in your arms, legs, or abdomen.
  
  
• You have sudden back pain.
  
  
• You have signs of a stroke: The following signs are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face (may be on only one side of your body)
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding speech
    
    
  • A very bad headache that may feel like the worst headache of your life
    
    
  • Not being able to see out of one or both of your eyes
    
    
  • Feeling too dizzy to stand

Learn more about Leukocytosis (Aftercare Instructions)