Final answer:
Possible causes for leukocytosis include dehydration, infection, allergy, and polycythemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leukocytosis refers to an abnormally high number of white blood cells in the body. Some possible causes for leukocytosis include:
- Dehydration: In cases of dehydration, there is a relative increase in the number of white blood cells due to a decrease in plasma volume.
- Infection: When the body is fighting off an infection, it produces more white blood cells to help combat the invading pathogens.
- Allergy: Certain allergic reactions can lead to an increase in white blood cells as part of the immune response.
- Polycythemia: Although not directly related to leukocytosis, polycythemia refers to an elevated red blood cell count, which can sometimes be mistaken for an increased white blood cell count.