Key Symptoms Of Leukocytosis

Difficulty Breathing

An individual who experiences difficulty breathing may be affected by leukocytosis. The underlying cause of the leukocytosis and the high blood viscosity that results from this condition can both be contributing factors for this symptom. Certain bacterial and viral infections can cause an individual to develop the leukocytosis because white blood cells play a critical role in the mechanism the body uses to fight off these pathogens. If the infection is respiratory, the patient can experience infection associated congestion, airway constriction, shortness of breath, and pain with breathing. 

Certain types of allergic conditions can cause breathing difficulty and leukocytosis concurrently, including asthma, esophagitis, hay fever, and several others. Leukocytosis can cause an individual to have an increased risk of developing a blood clot in the blood vessels that supply blood to their lungs. This clot is called a pulmonary embolism. Rapid breathing, pain when breathing, coughing up fluids, and shortness of breath can all indicate a pulmonary embolism precipitated from underlying leukocytosis.