Leukopenia, or low white blood cell count, is a disorder that affects the number of white blood cells in your body. This can leave you susceptible to infection and other health problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes of low white blood cell count and some of the symptoms you may experience. We will also provide tips on how to improve your white blood cell count.
What Is A White Blood Count?
Before we get into the causes of low white blood cell count, it’s important to understand what a white blood count is. White blood cells are an essential component of your immune system. They help your body fight off infection and disease. There are different types of white blood cells, including:
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes
- Lymphocytes
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
Each type of white blood cell has a different function in your body. However, they all work together to keep you healthy. Your white blood cell count represents the number of white blood cells in your body.
Signs And Causes Of Low White Blood Cell Count
There are a number of different causes of low white blood count. Some of the more common causes include:
- Viral infections, such as the flu or mononucleosis
- Bacterial infections
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer or cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
- A bone marrow disease that prevents your body from producing enough white blood cells
Bone Marrow Disorders
The bone marrow is the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. If you have a problem with your bone marrow, it can affect the production of all types of blood cells, including white blood cells.
Viral Infections
Viral infections are one of the most common causes of low white blood cell count. The flu, for example, is a viral infection that can cause your white blood cell count to drop. Other viral infections that can cause leukopenia include:
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
- Lymphoma And Leukemia
Congenital Disorders
There are a number of congenital disorders that can cause low white blood cell count. These disorders are present at birth and can affect the development of the bone marrow. One example of a congenital disorder that can cause leukopenia is Fanconi anemia.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It can cause your body to produce abnormal white blood cells. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It can also cause your body to produce abnormal white blood cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It can also damage healthy cells, including the ones in your bone marrow that produce blood cells. This can lead to a drop in white blood cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Like radiation therapy, it can also damage healthy cells and cause a drop in white blood cell count.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of medication used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. They can also be used as part of cancer treatment. Corticosteroids can suppress the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. It can also affect the blood and bone marrow. Lupus can cause your body to produce abnormal white blood cells.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients. It can lead to a number of health problems, including anemia and infections. Malnutrition can also cause the bone marrow to produce fewer white blood cells.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the blood and bone marrow. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause your body to produce abnormal white blood cells.
Medications
There are a number of medications that can cause low white blood cell count. These include:
- Antibiotics
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Blood thinners, such as heparin and warfarin
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the demand for iron increases. This can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause a drop in white blood cells. Additionally, some pregnant women develop preeclampsia, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can also cause leukopenia.
Aging
As you age, your bone marrow produces fewer blood cells. This can lead to a decrease in white blood cell count.
Symptoms Of Low White Blood Cell Count
Low white blood cell count is often asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms. However, in some cases, low white blood cell count can cause:
- Fever
- Chills
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. They will likely order a blood test to check your white blood cell count.
Treatment For Low White Blood Cell Count
The treatment for low white blood cell count depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is an infection, you will likely be treated with antibiotics. If the cause is cancer, you may need radiation therapy or chemotherapy. If the cause is a congenital disorder, you may need treatment to correct the disorder. If low white blood cell count is due to aging, there is no specific treatment. However, if you have symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve them. You can also make lifestyle changes to boost your immune system, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Are There Tests To Diagnose Low White Blood Cells?
Yes. The white blood cell count (WBC count) is a blood test that determines the number of white blood cells in your body. Your doctor may also order other tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy, to diagnose low white blood cell count. The WBC count is typically included in a complete blood count test (CBC).
What Are The Complications And Risk Factors Of Low White Blood Cells?
Low white blood cell count can lead to severe infections. It can also make it difficult for your body to fight off cancer. Additionally, a low white blood cell count can cause bleeding and bruising. If you have a low white blood cell count, see your doctor so they can monitor you closely and treat any complications that may arise.
Final Words
A low white blood cell count can lead to serious infections. If you have a low white blood cell count, see your doctor so they can monitor you closely and treat any complications that may arise. Additionally, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise to boost your immune system.
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