Increased white blood cell count

Leukocytes are non-colored blood cells. They are stab, monocyte, segment-nuclear, depending on the shape of the nucleus. Also distinguish granulocytes - leukocytes with characteristic granularity in the cytoplasm and agranulocytes - leukocytes without it. When researched in the laboratory, they are painted in different colors and, accordingly, differ in names and functions that perform: eosinophilic, basophilic, neutrophilic.

Leukocytes can freely leave the bloodstream and actively move around in spaces between cells. Their main function is protective. As soon as the organism is exposed to any damage and foreign substances enter it, the leukocytes, as if commanded, penetrate the capillary walls (through the cells of the zodothelium) and quickly move to the source of the lesion. There they surround a foreign element, which seems to be glued to their surface, then they draw it into the middle and digest it. The process of immediate capture and destruction of alien dead particles and living (microscopic fungi, bacteria, viruses) that have entered the body is called phagocytosis, and cells that carry it out are phagocytes. If a protection is needed, a corresponding signal is sent to the hematopoietic organs, and They quickly begin to produce an increased number of white blood cells. There is a reaction of phagocytosis. The alarm call also responds to other cells called macrophages, which were up to this point in a state of waiting. They also begin to move to the damaged site. Macrophages, leukocytes and other blood cells participate in the active absorption of bacteria and pathogens. In addition, they destroy those cells of the body that are stunted as a result of illness or injury, and thereby purify it from decaying, incapable particles. This explains the high content of leukocytes in the blood. Their border rate varies from 4,000 to 9,000 in 1 μl in different people. It must be known to determine the elevated white blood cell count or not. Oscillations within the five thousand units can occur even in the same person and depend on the time of day: after lunch their amount increases. Calculate the norm allows a special formula that takes into account the relationship between different forms of leukocytes. However, it can also vary in the direction of decrease or vice versa.

Elevated levels of leukocytes - more than 9000 - called leukocytosis, and lowered - less than 4000 - leukopenia. Oscillation in their quantity and ratio of forms often serves as a signal about pathological processes occurring in the body. However, it is impossible to take into account only this feature and not take into account the general state of a person. Both processes can be observed in an absolutely healthy body. For example, after a bath, a hot bath, playing sports, after a routine physical work, temporary leukopenia occurs. A short-lived high content of leukocytes occurs after eating, after unsystematic physical work, under hypothermia. Their number can grow during pregnancy other changes in human physiology. For example, with tissue necrosis, after a heart attack, trauma, a large loss of blood, with allergies of all kinds, the high content of leukocytes is a frequent phenomenon. Thus, the body exhibits a protective reaction.

The usual blood test will help to clarify the cause of the change in their norm in the direction of increase. Often an elementary routine examination reveals in people who considered themselves healthy, blood disease at the earliest stage, which allows to start treatment in a timely manner and to conduct it successfully.