Common Causes
What Does a Low White Blood Cell Count Mean. A low white blood cell count is known as leucopenia. A low white blood cell count can mean a number of different things. It could mean that person is fighting off an infectious disease. It can also indicate the presence of other serious health problems such as leukemia, aplastic anemia and hyperthyroidism.
Related Conditions
- Night sweats
- Bone pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or fullness below the ribs
- Painless lumps in the neck, stomach, groin or under the arm
- Frequent infections
What does it mean to have a low white blood cell count?
These include:
- AIDS
- Aplastic anemia (condition in which the bone marrow makes insufficient blood cells)
- Bone marrow disease (myelodysplastic syndromes)
- Chemotherapy
- Leukemia
- Liver disease ( hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure)
- Overactive spleen that destroys white blood cells
- Radiation exposure
What are the signs of a low white blood count?
To minimize the chances of certain diseases and a low white blood cell count:
- Practice good hygiene. For instance, wash your hands after using the bathroom and before cooking.
- Be careful around pets and other animals that might transmit infections.
- Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked before eating them.
- Stay away from people who have infections.
- Practice safe sex; avoid drugs and sharing needles.
What are the reasons for low white blood cell count?
What causes a slightly low white blood cell count?
What is the most common reason for low white blood cell count?
A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
What happens when your white blood count gets low?
A low white blood cell count in adults is less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood. A low white blood cell count can be an indicator of certain conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin deficiencies, or a side effect of cancer treatment.
When should I be worried about low white blood cells?
How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
Do you feel tired If your white blood cells are low?
Can low white blood cells cause fatigue? Low white bloods cells likely aren't the cause of fatigue. If you have low WBC and are increasingly feeling fatigued, both are likely symptoms of an underlying issue.
How can I raise my white blood cells fast?
Lean meats, such as fish, eggs seafood, and skinless poultry contain high quantities of protein. Great plant based sources include lentils, beans and soy. Zinc is one of the best foods to increase white blood cells you can consume as it can help the body produce more WBCs and makes existing WBCs more aggressive.
How can I raise my white blood cell count?
Some sources of quality protein are fish, eggs, poultry, beef, milk, Greek yogurt and beans. If your diet is poor, or you're having trouble eating, you can take a multivitamin or supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. The body uses vitamin B12 and folate to make WBCs.
What foods to avoid if you have low white blood cells?
Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, meat, poultry, fish, home-canned foods, and foods from bulk bins, salad bars, delicatessens, buffets, potlucks, and sidewalk vendors.
How do you fix low white blood cell count?
How do doctors treat a low white blood cell count?Antibiotics to treat any infections.Medicines to push your body to make more white blood cells.Treatment for any diseases that may be causing the count to be low.
Can low vitamin D cause low white blood cells?
Furthermore, Arnson et al. found that vitamin D levels were correlated with WBC count and that the survival of critically ill patients with vitamin D deficiency was significantly shorter than those who were vitamin D sufficient.
Can a low blood count cause dizziness?
A low RBC count, also known as anemia, can affect the body's ability to transport oxygen and nutrients around the cardiovascular system. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
What viruses cause low WBC?
They help your body fight off diseases and infections. If you have too few WBCs, you have a condition known as leukopenia....Several infectious diseases that can cause leukopenia include:HIV or AIDS.tuberculosis.viral hepatitis.malaria.typhoid fever.
What happens if you have a low white blood cell count?
If you have a low white blood cell count, you may: Have repeated fevers and infections. Get bladder infections that may make it painful to pass urine, or make you urinate more often. Get lung infections that cause coughing and difficulty breathing.
What is it called when your red blood cell count is low?
You may have many of these symptoms or just one or two of them. And you may get a new symptom at any point in the course of your illness. A low red blood cell count is called anemia.
How to know if your platelet count is low?
A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. If you have a low platelet count, you may: 1 Bruise or bleed more easily – even from minor scrapes and bumps. 2 Get heavy menstrual periods. 3 Get nose bleeds. 4 Get tiny, flat red spots under your skin, which are caused by bleeding. These spots are called petechiae. 5 Have bleeding gums, especially after dental work or from brushing your teeth. Check with your doctor before getting any dental work.
What happens if your white blood count is low?
In case of low white blood cell count, the immune system becomes weak, and the body gets prone to infections. While mild symptoms may not be noticeable, severe ones need immediate medical attention. In children, symptoms, like fever, lightheadedness, and anemia, may develop. Irritability, hot flashes, fatigue and chills, ...
What does low white blood count mean?
A low white blood cell count could be an indication of some underlying disease or disorder. Here is a brief overview about the symptoms and common causes of the condition. A low white blood cell count could be an indication of some underlying disease or disorder. Here is a brief overview about the symptoms and common causes of the condition.
What causes low WBC?
Other causes include myelodysplastic syndrome, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and liver or spleen disorders. Some congenital disorders are linked to this condition. Even viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause a low WBC count. Chemotherapy is one of those medical procedures that can cause a decrease in white blood cell count. This can also happen due to radiation therapy.
Why is my WBC low?
Some congenital disorders are linked to this condition. Even viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause a low WBC count. Chemotherapy is one of those medical procedures ...
What to do if you have leukopenia?
Those with leukopenia must take precautions to keep away from infections. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoid conditions that may lead to infections.
What are the symptoms of a swollen stomach?
In some cases, the symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, sore throat, canker sores, and headache. In case of fever, seek immediate medical attention, if the body temperature crosses 100°F .
What is the treatment for leukopenia?
Once the underlying condition is diagnosed, it has to be treated accordingly, in order to cure leukopenia. The doctor may also prescribe medicines that trigger production of white blood cells. Antimicrobial drugs may also be used for treating those with infections.
What are the symptoms of low white cell count?
Feelings of Illness. The main symptoms caused by a low white cell count include occasional fever, consistent chills, discomfort and a sore throat, reports the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Other symptoms include fatigue and weakness. These are all signs of an infection or other illnesses.
What is the name of the condition where the white cell count is low?
This condition is known as neutropenia .
What is the function of leukocytes?
Called leukocytes, these cells have the primary function of fighting infections. There is a broad range to the value of normal levels of white blood cells, varying between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic ml of blood. A low volume of leukocytes in the body is a count that is anywhere less than this range. This condition, called leukopenia, is easy ...
What is a low leukocyte count?
A low volume of leukocytes in the body is a count that is anywhere less than this range. This condition, called leukopenia, is easy to define but difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms and signs are usually very minor and can be mistaken for other signs of infection.
Can a low white blood cell count cause stomatitis?
While these conditions can occur even if you don't have a low white blood cell count, those with a low level ...
Can neutropenia be a symptom of leukopenia?
However, people without leukopenia can temporarily have all the symptoms of neutropenia if they are sick and the neutrophil s temporarily drop. A doctor has to determine whether neutropenia is actually a symptom of a low white blood cell count using a series of tests.
Why is my white blood count low?
A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
What causes low white blood cells?
White blood cells are manufactured in bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside some of your larger bones. A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: 1 Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow 2 Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function 3 Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow 4 Autoimmune disorders that destroy white blood cells or bone marrow cells 5 Severe infections that use up white blood cells faster than they can be produced 6 Medications, such as antibiotics, that destroy white blood cells 7 Sarcoidosis (collections of inflammatory cells in the body)
What diseases destroy bone marrow?
Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow. Autoimmune disorders that destroy white blood cells or bone marrow cells. Severe infections that use up white blood cells faster than they can be produced. Medications, such as antibiotics, that destroy white blood cells.
What is a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream?
Myelodysplastic syndromes. Myelokathexis (a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream) Radiation therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Tuberculosis (and other infectious diseases) Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom.
Symptoms Of Low White Blood Cell Count
Given that it is a symptom in and of itself, leukopenia can be accompanied by a myriad of other signs depending on what the underlying cause is. However, there are a few common effects the body will experience when your white blood cell count drops. Here are some to look out for.
How Are Low Blood Counts Diagnosed
A test called the complete blood count is used to determine whether your blood counts are low. The CBC measures the levels of the three basic blood cells: red, white, and platelets.
Causes Of Low Levels Specific Types Of White Blood Cells
Some medical conditions lead to a disproportionally low number of one specific type of white blood cells, and other white blood cell counts may be normal. An isolated low level of some types of white blood cells may also be important in predicting the presence of or severity of a disease.
What Causes Low White Blood Cell Count
White blood cells are produced in the bodys bone marrow. When you are sick, production is ramped up as a countermeasure. Consequently, conditions that can cause leukopenia are ones that either kill leukocytes faster than they can be produced or which interfere with the bone marrow in some way.
Absolute Vs Relative Leukopenia
When looking at the number of white blood cells on a complete blood count, it’s important to note that only a minority of the white blood cells present in the body circulate in the bloodstream. For this reason, the number can sometimes shift quite rapidly.
Ways To Prevent Covid
There may not be many ways to prevent having a low blood count. Typically, a low WBC count is the result of an infection or a condition, or of a medication that you need.
Symptoms Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
If the AML cancer cells, called blasts, become very high in number, they can cause a serious condition known as leukostasis, which literally means slowing of the normal blood flow due to congestion. This can lead to symptoms such as:
Why is low white blood cell count important?
Chief among these is the suppression of the immune system, including low white blood cell count. This makes a person more susceptible to infection and can increase the risk of life-threatening hemorrhaging.
What is the first symptom of lymphoma?
This manifests the first and primary symptom of lymphoma, swollen lymph nodes .
What causes lymphoma?
The ultimate underlying causes of lymphoma, as with most cancers, are not fully understood. There may be genetic as well as environmental factors, and things that trigger the disease in some people may have no effect on others. At some point, however, a lymphocyte (usually a B-cell) will form that does not die when it should, but instead continues to divide and multiply until the abnormal, cancerous cells outnumber the healthy cells. This manifests the first and primary symptom of lymphoma, swollen lymph nodes.
What are the symptoms of a symtom?
Such secondary symptoms can include the following: 1 Fever 2 Night sweats 3 Itching 4 Weight loss 5 Loss of appetite 6 Nausea and vomiting 7 Abdominal pain or constipation 8 Shortness of breath
Can lymphoma be detected by touch?
This is typically not accompanied by pain, and can usually be detected by touch before the appearance of any other symptoms. Low white blood cell count and lymphoma symptoms often go hand in hand. Such secondary symptoms can include the following: Fever. Night sweats.
Can an oncologist help with lymphoma?
Oncologists will be able to help people choose a course of treatment and will help answer any questions the patient might have. Hearing that one has lymphoma or any cancer, can be a terrifying experience, but treatments are becoming more effective every day and many cancer patients can expect to live long and healthy lives after diagnosis.
What to do if your white blood count is low?
Follow-up Tests. If there's no clear reason for a low white blood cell count, your doctor will probably want to do the test again, or do a differential or "diff" along with the CBC. This other test gives a lot more detail. There are normal ranges for each of the five kinds of WBCs, and some problems only affect one type.
What to do if your WBC is low?
When your WBC count is very low, you may need to take steps to avoid an infection. Your doctor may ask you to see a hematologist. This is a specialist who has extra training for diagnosing and treating blood count problems.
How many white blood cells are there in a microliter?
How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.
What is the function of white blood cells?
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout your body in your blood, looking for invaders. And your body is continuously making a fresh supply. Your doctor measures how many of these cells you have by sending some of your blood to a lab to do a complete blood count, or CBC. ...
Does HIV kill WBCs?
HIV kills a specific kind of white blood cell. Medicines: Some drugs, including antibiotics, can destroy WBCs. Nutrition: Not eating well or low levels of certain vitamins, such as folic acid and B12, can affect how your body makes WBCs . Alcohol abuse can mess with the nutrients in your body and with WBC counts, too.
Is WBC normal?
Many times, a repeated test will show that your WBC count is normal. Your doctor may want to do more tests, based on the symptoms you have. For instance, you might get checked for strep throat or mono. Other blood tests can look for a viral infection, inflammation, or allergies.
What does it mean when your white blood cell count is low?
Definition. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) is a decrease in disease-fighting cells (leukocytes) in your blood. Leukopenia is almost always related to a decrease in a certain type of white blood cell (neutrophil).
What is considered low white blood cell count?
In general, for adults a count lower than 4,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count. For children, that threshold varies with age.