The normal range of peripheral blood leukocyte count in adults is (4-10) × 109/L. When the leukocyte count is consistently higher than 10 × 109/L it is considered higher than normal, so a leukocyte count of 22 × 109/L is considered leukocytosis and is abnormal.
Leukocytes is a general term for a category of cells in the blood, including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, etc. There are many causes of leukocyte elevation, including acute infections caused by various germs such as pneumonia and appendicitis, serious tissue injuries such as major surgery and myocardial infarction, as well as leukemia and malignant tumors, which can lead to neutrophilia. Various viral infectious diseases such as chickenpox, hepatitis and recovery from certain infectious diseases can lead to an increase in the number of lymphocytes in patients. Certain allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, urticaria, and parasitic infections are causes of eosinophil elevation. In addition, after strenuous exercise or labor, during pregnancy and childbirth, or in severe cold or heat can lead to a temporary increase in leukocytes, called physiological leukocytosis.
Therefore, a leukocyte count of 22×109/L is an abnormal condition called leukocytosis. However, there are various causes of leukocytosis, so if the number of leukocytes continues to be higher than normal with regular monitoring, you should seek timely medical attention, improve systematic and formal examination and laboratory tests, and provide timely and accurate treatment after a clear diagnosis.