White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help protect the body against infections, bacteria, viruses and diseases. These essential part of the immune system are produced in the bone marrow and are present in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells (WBC) come in different types, and the blood normally contains a certain percentage for each type. This is what doctors check when they request tests that measure a person’s WBC count. Show
Why Do Doctors Check Your WBC Count?The WBC count is usually included in a test that measures your complete blood count (CBC). A low white blood cell count or a high blood cell count may indicate an infection or an undiagnosed condition such as a blood disorder, an autoimmune diseases or an immune deficiency. The WBC count can help doctors detect and provide treatment for these potential conditions as well as help monitor the effectiveness of radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer patients. What Is the Normal WBC Count?People’s WBC count may vary depending on their age. Infants usually have a higher WBC count which gradually decreases as they get older. The table below shows the normal WBC ranges per microliter of blood (mcL).
Symptoms of an Abnormal WBC CountAn abnormal WBC count may either be lower or higher than the normal range. The common symptoms of a low WBC, also known as leukopenia, include body aches, chills, fever and headaches. If you have these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your doctor and he/she may recommend a WBC count. On the other hand, a high WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, usually doesn’t cause symptoms, although the underlying condition that’s causing it may show its own signs. Risk Factors of an Abnormal WBC CountA low WBC count may be triggered by the following factors or conditions:
Meanwhile, a high WBC count may be triggered by the following factors or conditions:
How to Prepare for a WBC CountFirst, you have to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get a test request and then schedule an appointment with the laboratory for blood extraction. Certain medications may either lower or increase your WBC count, so please let your physician know if you’re under medication. Some of the drugs that may interfere with your WBC count results are as follows:
Final ThoughtsIf your laboratory test results show that you either have a low or high WBC count, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan and may also recheck your WBCs from time to time. But if your WBCs are within the normal range, great. Just keep doing things that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy, such as eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, limiting your sugar intake, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels and staying hydrated. Have a great day ahead! Sources: Your blood is made up of different types of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs), which are also known as leukocytes. WBCs are an important part of your immune system. They help your body fight off diseases and infections. If you have too few WBCs, you have a condition known as leukopenia. In this article, we take a closer look at leukopenia, including types, symptoms, causes, and treatment. WBC counts are typically reported as part of a blood test called a complete blood count or CBC. The results can be reported as cells per microliter (μL) of blood or as cells per cubic millimeter (mm3) of blood. The table below shows the typical ranges of WBCs, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Generally speaking, when WBC numbers fall below these reference ranges, you have leukopenia. Your doctor will order additional tests to determine what’s leading to your low WBC levels. It’s important to point out that the exact reference ranges that are used can vary based off the laboratory performing the test. Because of this, always refer to the reference ranges that are listed on the report of your test results. There are several different types of leukopenia, depending on which type of WBC is low in your blood. The types of WBCs include:
Each WBC type has a different function in protecting your body from infections or harmful substances. If your blood is low in neutrophils, you have a type of leukopenia known as neutropenia. Neutrophils are the WBCs that protect you from many types of infections, particularly those involving fungi or bacteria. Neutrophils make up 55 to 70 percent of your total WBC count. Because of this, leukopenia is often caused by a decrease in neutrophils. In fact, some people use the terms “leukopenia” and “neutropenia” interchangeably. Another common type of leukopenia is lymphocytopenia, which is when you have too few lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the WBCs that protect you from a variety of infections and also from cancerous cells. Many diseases and conditions can cause leukopenia, such as: Blood cell or bone marrow conditionsWBCs originate from the stem cells in the bone marrow. Because of this, conditions affecting blood cells or the bone marrow can lead to leukopenia. Some examples of such conditions include:
Your spleen is also important in the production of WBCs. Splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, can also lead to leukopenia. Treatments for cancerCancer treatments are aimed at targeting and eliminating rapidly dividing cancer cells within your body. However, because blood cells also grow rapidly, some cancer treatments can destroy these cells as well. The cancer treatments that may lead to leukopenia include:
Congenital disordersCongenital disorders are present at birth. The ones that can lead to leukopenia include conditions that affect how bone marrow works to make blood cells, such as:
Infectious diseasesSeveral infectious diseases that can cause leukopenia include:
Other acute viral infections, such as the flu, or any very severe infection can also lead to leukopenia. Autoimmune disordersSome autoimmune disorders can kill WBCs or bone marrow stem cells, which make blood cells, and can lead to leukopenia. Examples of autoimmune disorders that may cause leukopenia are:
MalnutritionLeukopenia can be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as deficiencies in:
MedicationsCertain medications can also cause leukopenia as a side effect. Some examples are:
SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a systemic illness caused by an exaggerated immune response. It’s characterized by the formation of granulomas, or small areas of inflammation, in multiple systems in your body. When these granulomas form in your bone marrow, leukopenia can result. Anyone who has a condition that can cause leukopenia is at risk. Leukopenia usually doesn’t lead to noticeable symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your WBC counts carefully if you have any of the conditions that can lead to leukopenia. This means undergoing frequent blood tests. Because leukopenia involves low levels of infection-fighting immune cells, it can cause some potentially serious complications if left untreated. Some of the complications of leukopenia include:
In order to diagnose leukopenia, your doctor will first do a physical exam and get your medical history. They’ll ask you about:
A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the first tests that’s used to help diagnose leukopenia. This test will inform your doctor about the levels of WBCs, red blood cells, and platelets in your blood. A CBC can show that your overall levels of WBCs are low. However, your doctor will probably want more details. They’ll likely order a CBC with a differential. A differential breaks down the levels of different types of WBCs, which can help to determine the specific type of WBC that’s low. Once your WBC count is deemed low, your doctor will order other tests to help determine the cause of your condition. Some examples include:
Treatment for leukopenia depends on which type of WBC is low and what’s causing it to be so. You may also need other treatments to take care of any infections that develop from not having enough WBCs. Common treatments include: Stopping treatments or medications that cause leukopeniaSometimes you may need to stop a treatment to give your body time to make more WBCs. Your blood cell counts may naturally rise when treatment like radiation is over or between chemotherapy sessions. The amount of time it takes for WBCs to replenish varies from person to person. If you’re taking a medication that causes leukopenia, your doctor may adjust the dose that you’re taking. They may also recommend switching to a different medication, if possible. Treating underlying conditions that cause leukopeniaIf you have an underlying health condition that’s causing leukopenia, such as lupus or sarcoidosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan to manage it. This can help to return your WBCs to typical levels. AntimicrobialsYou may be prescribed medications to prevent an infection or to clear up an existing infection. Some examples include antifungals to treat fungal infections or antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Growth factorsGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor and other growth factors derived from bone marrow can help your body to produce more WBCs. Some examples of growth factors that may be used include filgrastim (Neupogen) and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta). You can’t prevent leukopenia, but can you can take actions to prevent infections when your WBC count is low. Preventative actions include eating well, resting, and avoiding injuries and germs. DietYou may have heard of eating an immunocompromised diet, also called a low-bacterial diet or neutropenic diet, if your WBCs are very low. This diet is thought to reduce your chances of getting germs from food or because of the way food is prepared. However, support for the effectiveness of this diet is lacking. Two 2019 reviews found that the available evidence doesn’t support the use of eating an immunocompromised diet and that such a diet isn’t associated with a decreased infection risk. Nevertheless, if your WBC counts are low, there are some types of food items that you should try to avoid. These include:
It’s also vital to focus on safe food handling in order to reduce your risk of infection. Some tips include:
LifestyleThere are also ways that you can take care of yourself at home when your WBCs are low. For instance, try these tips to feel better and avoid infections:
Leukopenia is when the levels of WBCs in your blood are lower than average. People with leukopenia are at an increased risk for infections. In fact, you may not know that you have leukopenia until you develop symptoms of an infection like fever or chills. A variety of conditions can cause leukopenia, including certain types of cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases. If you’re at risk of developing leukopenia, your doctor will routinely check your WBC count to help lower your chance of complications. Depending on the cause, leukopenia can be treated in several ways. While your WBC count is low, you can also make dietary and lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of infection. If you have leukopenia and symptoms of an infection, contact your doctor right away. 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.
Can you have low WBC for no reason?Possible Causes
Sometimes a low white blood cell count is something you are born with (a genetic condition), which may or may not be a cause for concern. A low white blood cell count is associated with certain conditions, including: Cancer (caused by chemotherapy treatments) Bone marrow disorders or damage.
What diseases cause low white blood cells?Causes of a Low White Blood Cell Count. Medications and cancer treatments, such as some antibiotics, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.. Bone marrow cancers and bone marrow disorders, including aplastic anemia and multiple myeloma.. Infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe infections.. When should you worry about low WBC?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.
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