Low White Blood Cell Count

Blood is a liquid connective tissue, composed of plasma and different types of cells. Blood plays an important role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to all the body organs. Its two major functions are:

1. Transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide, ions, food molecules such as lipids, glucose and amino acids, hormones and wastes.
2. Protection of the body against infection and foreign bodies.

It consists of different types of cells such as Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets/thrombocytes.

What are White Blood Cells?

White blood cells or leukocytes are the cells of the immune system. They protect the body against foreign materials and infections. They are divided into two categories: granulocytes and agranulocytes. Granulocytes are of three types: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. Lymphocytes and monocytes are the two types of agranulocytes. The normal count of white blood cells is somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000/mm³. They have a short lifespan, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. These cells offer defensive properties to blood in order to fight against infections and the invading foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. If the number of leukocytes increases to more than the normal count, the condition is known as leukemia. If the white blood cell count is below normal, it is known as leukopenia. There may be a decrease in individual leukocyte percentage, e.g. neutropenia, i.e., a decrease in number of neutrophils. The reduction of all types of white blood cells is known as panleukopenia.

Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count

Low white blood cell causes are multiple and diverse. An abnormally low white blood cell count is associated with a number of causes and medical conditions. Some of the causes of leukopenia are aplastic anemia, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, liver diseases, spleen diseases, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as zinc and copper, etc. Certain infections such as viral infections can also cause a low wbc count. Some medications including chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs also lead to leukopenia. Certain bone marrow diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia reduce the white blood cell count. Sometimes, when the exact cause of leukopenia is not known, it is referred to as idiopathic leukopenia.

Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count

When the white blood cell count is reduced, the body tends to fall prey to infections easily. Fever is the first indication of infection. The gastrointestinal system and bladder are areas of potential infection. Hence, watch for symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, rectal bleeding and urination problems. Mouth sores, sore gums or canker sores also indicate a decreased white blood cell count. Sore throat, cough, headache and sneezing are the signs of lung or sinus infection. In short, any physical sign of lowered immunity such as frequent infections, difficulty and delay in recovery, etc., can be an indicator of a low wbc count in the body. Whenever you notice these symptoms, consult the doctor and if needed, take a blood test to determine the white cell count.

Effects of Low White Blood Cell Count

An abnormally low wbc count leads to the weakening of the immune system, as these cells are an integral part of it. A person with a low white blood cell count is at a higher risk of bacterial, fungal and viral infections due to a compromised immune system. The infections of the gastrointestinal system, lungs, throat and bladder are some typical examples of low white blood cell count infections.

Treatment for Low White Blood Cell Count

When you notice the symptoms of infection due to leukopenia, you should immediately consult a doctor. Complete blood count and absolute neutrophil count are the commonly recommended tests for the diagnosis of leukopenia. Sometimes, a bone marrow examination is also suggested by the doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

The medications used to treat leukopenia are known as 'growth factors'. They consist of cytokines, which stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white cells. Two commonly prescribed drugs are filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Some antimicrobial medications and antibiotics are also prescribed by doctors to treat infections. If the low white blood cell count is due to chemotherapy drugs, it is advised to delay the chemotherapy treatment or reduce the chemotherapy dose and have a balanced and nutritious diet.

Precautions for People with Low White Blood Cell Count

People with a low white blood cell count need to take some precautions in order to minimize the risk of infection. Hands are the means of the spread of infections. Hence, wash your hands frequently with soap and plenty of water. Dry and chapped skin is more prone to infection. In order to keep your skin moisturized, use a body lotion after each wash. Try to avoid large crowds in order to avoid contact with infected people. Stay away from things that can cause cuts or wounds on your skin. Wear gloves and a mask whenever possible. If you have any kind of wound or trauma, get it treated immediately. Eating nutritious meals full of essential vitamins and minerals, especially iron, helps to improve white blood cell count.