Causes of Granulocytosis
It is normal to have Granulocytes in your bloodstream. They work with the immune system to defend the body against harmful bacteria and viruses. However, a high number of granulocytes in the blood is abnormal and it is a sign of health problems.
Granulocytosis is majorly caused by bone marrow disorders. Examples of bone marrow disorders linked with this condition are:
- CML, a cancer of the white blood cells
- primary myelofibrosis, a blood cancer that causes accumulation of scar tissue in the bone marrow
- polycythemia vera, a disorder in which the body synthesizes too many red blood cells (RBCs)
- primary thrombocythemia, a condition that occurs when the body produces excess platelets.
The following conditions are associated with Granulocytosis:
- a bacterial or bloodstream infection
- sepsis [3]
- kidney failure
- heart attack
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- metastatic cancer
- extreme physical or emotional stress
- a burn injury
- smoking
- The use of certain medications, including corticosteroids
Infections, especially those caused by bacteria, can also cause granulocytosis. This occurs when the body responds to immune signals to fight off the infection and more neutrophils are produced to fight off bacteria which can lead to Granulocytosis.
Additionally, autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis may also lead to granulocytosis. People with rheumatoid arthritis usually have chronic inflammation of the joints which can cause elevated amounts of circulating granulocytes.