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Leukocytosis: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Leukocytosis means high white blood cell count, often due to infection, stress, or inflammation. Learn its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu

Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS

Last updated on 21st Aug, 2025

Leukocytosis

If you’ve recently had a blood test and your doctor mentioned that you have leukocytosis, you might be wondering what it means and whether it’s something to worry about. Leukocytosis is a condition where your white blood cell (WBC) count is higher than normal. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue, it’s not always a cause for alarm.

In this article, we’ll break down leukocytosis in simple terms—what it is, what causes it, common symptoms, and how it’s treated—so you can better understand your health and take the right steps if needed.

What Is Leukocytosis?

White blood cells (WBCs) are an essential part of your immune system. They help your body fight infections, diseases, and foreign invaders. A normal WBC count ranges between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. When this count goes beyond 11,000, it’s called leukocytosis.

There are different types of white blood cells, and the kind that’s elevated can give clues about the underlying cause.

The major types include:

  • Neutrophils (fight bacterial infections)
  • Lymphocytes (fight viral infections and help with immunity)
  • Monocytes (clean up dead cells and fight chronic infections)
  • Eosinophils (respond to allergies and parasites)
  • Basophils (involved in inflammatory responses)

Depending on which type is high, your doctor can determine what might be causing the increase.

Common Causes of Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis isn’t a disease itself but rather a sign that your body is responding to something. Some common causes include:

1. Infections

  • Bacterial infections (like pneumonia or urinary tract infections) often raise neutrophil counts.
  • Viral infections (such as flu or COVID-19) may increase lymphocytes.
  • Parasitic or allergic reactions can elevate eosinophils.

2. Inflammation or Injury

  • Conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or tissue damage (after surgery or burns) can trigger a high WBC count.

3. Stress or Physical Strain

  • Emotional stress, intense exercise, or even pregnancy can temporarily increase WBCs.

4. Medications

  • Certain drugs, like steroids (prednisone) or epinephrine, can lead to leukocytosis.

5. Bone Marrow Disorders

  • In rare cases, conditions like leukemia, myelofibrosis, or polycythemia vera cause abnormal white blood cell production.

If your WBC count is high, your doctor may order further tests to pinpoint the exact cause.

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Symptoms of Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis itself doesn’t always cause symptoms—it’s usually the underlying condition that leads to noticeable signs. However, some possible symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills (if due to infection)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Frequent infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Easy bruising or bleeding (if related to blood disorders)
  • Swollen lymph nodes

If you experience any of these along with a high WBC count, consult your doctor for further evaluation.

How Is Leukocytosis Diagnosed?

A simple complete blood count (CBC) test can detect leukocytosis. If your WBC count is high, your doctor may recommend:

  • Peripheral blood smear (to examine blood cells under a microscope)
  • Bone marrow biopsy (if a blood disorder is suspected)
  • Infection tests (like cultures or viral panels)
  • Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans) if inflammation or tumors are possible

These tests help determine the exact reason behind the elevated WBCs.

Treatment and Management

Since leukocytosis is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

1. Treating Infections

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Antivirals or supportive care for viral infections

2. Managing Inflammation

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for conditions like arthritis

3. Adjusting Medications

  • If a drug is causing high WBCs, your doctor may change your prescription.

4. Addressing Blood Disorders

  • Chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy may be needed for leukemia or other bone marrow conditions.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Immune Health

  • Eat a balanced diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins)
  • Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins
  • Exercise moderately (avoid extreme physical stress)
  • Get enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
  • Manage stress (through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of leukocytosis are temporary and resolve once the underlying issue (like an infection) is treated. However, consult your doctor if you notice:

  • Persistent high WBC counts without an obvious cause
  • Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or night sweats
  • Frequent infections or unusual bruising

If needed, you can book a consultation or schedule a CBC test through Apollo 24|7 for a quick and convenient check-up.

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Final Thoughts

Leukocytosis is usually a sign that your body is fighting something—whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or stress. While it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, most cases are harmless and manageable.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a high WBC count, don’t panic. Work with your doctor to find the cause and follow their recommended treatment plan.

Consult Top General Practitioner

Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem, General Practitioner

Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

450

Dr. Mainak Baksi, General Practitioner

Dr. Mainak Baksi

General Practitioner

13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)

Howrah

Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah

recommendation

83%

(50+ Patients)

600

750

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

21 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad

recommendation

91%

(25+ Patients)

660

Dr. Shubham Chauhan, General Practitioner

Dr. Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Lucknow

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow

450

Consult Top General Practitioner

Dr Suseela, General Physician

Dr Suseela

General Physician

5 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

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Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem, General Practitioner

Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

450

Dr. Mainak Baksi, General Practitioner

Dr. Mainak Baksi

General Practitioner

13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)

Howrah

Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah

recommendation

83%

(50+ Patients)

600

750

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

21 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad

recommendation

91%

(25+ Patients)

660

Dr. Shubham Chauhan, General Practitioner

Dr. Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Lucknow

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow

450

Get Your CBC Blood Test.

395(₹988)60% off

Consult Top General Practitioner

Dr Suseela, General Physician

Dr Suseela

General Physician

5 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

500

50 Cashback

Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem, General Practitioner

Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

450

Dr. Mainak Baksi, General Practitioner

Dr. Mainak Baksi

General Practitioner

13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)

Howrah

Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah

recommendation

83%

(50+ Patients)

600

750

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

21 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad

recommendation

91%

(25+ Patients)

660

Dr. Shubham Chauhan, General Practitioner

Dr. Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS

Lucknow

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow

450