Low White Blood Cell Count Symptoms

White blood cells are an important part of the body's immune system. Otherwise known as leukocytes, white blood cells fight against pathogens and foreign materials that enter the body. These cells are found all over the body, including the blood and the lymphatic vessels. White blood cells are produced by stem cells in the bone marrow and their name is derived from their color. There are different types of white blood cells with varying functions. These include neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, etc. Studies show that around 1% of human blood comprises white blood cells. The normal white blood cell count in one liter of human blood ranges between four to eleven million. A substantial increase or decrease in this number can be an indication of some medical condition or disease. This article deals with the various aspects of low white blood cell count symptoms and causes.

Low White Blood Cell Count

A low white blood cell count means a decrease in the number of white blood cells in blood. This condition is called leukopenia which is detected through preliminary blood tests. Further tests can reveal the type of white blood cell that is affected or has dipped in numbers. In a healthy person, there will be around 60% of neutrophils, 5% monocytes, 4% eosinophils and 1% basophils. Detecting the specific type of white blood cell that has been affected helps in diagnosing the underlying condition. It has been said that the standards for determining leukopenia may vary, according to factors, like, age, gender, test method, etc. However, any count that is below 3,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood is diagnosed as a case of leukopenia. The next paragraph will provide you with details regarding reasons for low white blood cell count symptoms and causes.

Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count

As mentioned above, low white blood count can be caused by various medical conditions, intake of certain drugs, etc. Medical conditions that can cause low white blood cell count are aplastic anemia, some autoimmune diseases (that can destroy WBCs), etc. Other low white blood count causes include myelodysplastic syndrome, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, liver or spleen disorders, etc. Some congenital disorders may also cause a low white blood count. Even viral, bacterial and parasitic infections can lead to a low white blood count. Chemotherapy is one of those medical procedures that can cause a decreased white blood cell count. This can also happen due to radiation therapy.

Low White Blood Cell Count Symptoms

In case of a low white blood cell count, the body gets prone to infections. While, mild symptoms may not be noticeable, severe ones need immediate medical attention. As the immune system gets weak, the person may develop infections. Low white blood count in children may cause symptoms, like, fever, lightheadedness, anemia, etc. Even irritability, hot flashes, fatigue, chills, etc., may be experienced by such people. While, some people experience hematoma (localized swelling with blood accumulation), women may have prolonged menstruation. The person may also develop gastrointestinal and urinary infections, along with extreme fatigue and sleepiness. In some cases, the symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, sore throat, canker sores, headache, etc. In case of fever, seek immediate medical attentions, if the body temperature crosses 100 degrees. In case of gastrointestinal infections, watch out for symptoms, like, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, etc. Urinary infections may cause problem in urination, like, pain, burning sensation, etc. In case of infections with high fever, the patient has to be admitted at the earliest.

If you notice any low white blood cell count symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to diagnose the underlying condition and get it treated at the earliest, as it can affect your immune system. The doctor may also suggest a bone marrow test as a part of the diagnosis. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed, it has to be treated accordingly, so as to deal with leukopenia. The doctor may also prescribe medications that trigger production of white blood cells and some antimicrobial drugs. Meanwhile, you have to take precautions to keep away from infections. You have to wash hands thoroughly and frequently and avoid conditions that may lead to infections. In case of cuts and scratches, use an antiseptic ointment, after cleaning. If the condition is not cured with regular treatment, blood transfusion may also be required.