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what causes low white blood cell count treatment

by Nina O'Hara Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.Jun 15, 2005

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What does it mean to have a low white blood cell count?

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.

What are the side effects of low white blood cells?

  • Redness.
  • Swelling.
  • Pus formation (at the site of an injury or incision)
  • Cough.
  • Sputum.
  • Nasal drainage (from a sinus or respiratory infection)

What are the dangers of low blood count?

The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include:

  • Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils, you're at higher risk of developing an infection. ...
  • Anemia. A low red blood cell count is anemia. The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue and shortness of breath. ...
  • Bleeding. Low numbers of platelets in your blood can cause bleeding. ...

What is a dangerous white blood cell count?

What is a dangerous white blood cell count? It can vary by age and gender, but you are considered to have a low white blood cell count with less than 4,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood. The lower this number goes, the more susceptible you are to infections.

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Can low white blood cell be treated?

If you have a low white blood cell count, your doctor can prescribe medicines to help stimulate your immune system after each round of chemotherapy. Your doctor also may decide to stop your chemotherapy treatment for a little while so your body can recover and make more white blood cells.

How do you fix low white blood?

Antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria and other micro-organisms. The healthcare team may prescribe antibiotics if your white blood cell count is too low, the risk of infection is high or they suspect you have an infection.

What treatment boosts white blood cells?

CSFs help your body make more white blood cells. This lowers your risk for febrile neutropenia. CSFs include Neupogen (filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), and Leukine and Prokine (sargramostim). They are usually given as shots 24 hours after a chemotherapy treatment.

What helps low white cells?

If your diet is poor, or you are having a lot of trouble eating during treatment, you may benefit from taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. The body needs these two vitamins to make white blood cells (7).

How can I increase my white blood cells at home?

You can treat the condition by using the lavender essential oil, garlic, spinach, sunflower seeds, red bell peppers, citrus fruits, noni fruit, and kiwi. In addition, selenium, broccoli, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, yogurt, vitamins, and papaya leaves effectively improve low blood cell count.

What should I eat if I have low white blood cells?

Blood-building nutrientsMeat, poultry, fish, seafood.Eggs and dairy products, like cheese, yogurt, milk, and skim milk powder.Legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, split peas, kidney beans, baked beans, hummus.Soy foods, like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk.Nuts and seeds, like hemp hearts, almonds, and peanut butter.

Is there medication to increase white blood cell count?

Filgrastim injection is used to treat neutropenia (low white blood cells) that is caused by cancer medicines. It is a synthetic (man-made) form of a substance that is naturally produced in your body called a colony stimulating factor. Filgrastim helps the bone marrow to make new white blood cells.

How long does it take for white blood cells to increase?

Your neutrophil count then starts to rise again. This is because your bone marrow restarts normal production of neutrophils. But it may take 3 to 4 weeks to reach a normal level again.

Does vitamin B12 increase white blood cells?

Vitamin B12 supplementation did not affect the number and percentage of white blood cells populations in blood of rats fed a control diet for 30 days. However, 30-day addition of vitamin B12 to a low-protein diet almost completely reduced the negative impact of protein malnutrition.

Does zinc increase white blood cells?

Researchers discovered that zinc supplementation does not have an affect on the circulating levels of white blood cells.

Does garlic increase white blood cells?

Studies have shown that garlic stimulates immune cells, helps white blood cells fight off infection, increases white blood cell counts, and acts as an antioxidant. Garlic can benefit much more than your white blood cell counts.

Is low white blood count serious?

If the neutrophil count is very low, fewer than 500 neutrophils in a microliter of blood, it is called severe neutropenia. When the neutrophil count gets this low, even the bacteria normally living in a person's mouth, skin, and gut can cause serious infections.

How to minimize the chances of certain diseases and a low white blood cell 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.

What does it mean when your white blood count is low?

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.

What does it mean when you have too many white blood cells?

If a person has too many—or too few—white blood cells in the body, it may mean that there is a disorder of some kind. A white blood cell count of less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood is considered low.

Why do doctors order a blood count?

The doctor may order a complete blood count test on a regular basis to check on a patient who has certain conditions, such as an infection or immune system disorder. Other information from the complete blood count will help your doctor come up with a list of possible diagnoses.

How many white blood cells are produced in the human body?

White blood cells help the body identify and fight a variety of diseases and infections. The human body produces about 100 billion white blood cells each day. There are five major types of white blood cells: Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

What are the causes of cancer?

Cancer (caused by chemotherapy treatments) Bone marrow disorders or damage. Autoim mune disorders (problems with the immune system in which the body attacks itself), such as lupus. Infections (including tuberculosis and HIV) Immune system conditions. Crohn’s disease.

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 causes bone marrow to be damaged?

Being around certain chemicals, like benzene and pesticides, as well as some types of cancer and cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation , can hurt your bone marrow's ability to make WBCs. Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs. ...

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 is the condition where a person has a reduced number of white blood cells?

Leukopenia is a condition where a person has a reduced number of white blood cells. This increases their risk of infections. A person’s blood is made up of many different types of blood cells. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help to fight off infection. Leukocytes are a vital part of the immune system.

Why do doctors check white blood cells?

A doctor will regularly check a person’s white blood cell count if they have a condition known to cause leukopenia. Getting regular blood tests helps leukopenia to be identified early and treated before it leads to complications. Last medically reviewed on December 13, 2017. Lymphoma.

What causes leukopenia in the bone marrow?

Causes. There are several medical conditions that cause leukopenia by interfering with the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Other conditions cause leukopenia by destroying white blood cells rather than affecting their production. Leukopenia may also be the result of some treatments and medications.

What is the difference between leukopenia and neutrophils?

However, they refer to slightly different conditions. Leukopenia is an umbrella term that refers to a reduction in any of the white blood cell types. Neutropenia is a type of leukopenia but refers specifically to a decrease in neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell. A person’s neutrophil count is an important indicator ...

How many white blood cells are there in leukopenia?

A person with leukopenia may have few er than 3,500 white blood cells per microliter. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and are critical for the immune system. Having too few of them means the body is less able to fight off infections and diseases. There are five types of white blood cells.

Why are leukocytes important?

Leukocytes are a vital part of the immune system. People who have leukopenia have fewer white blood cells than they should. This makes them more likely to get infections. This article explores the effect leukopenia has on the body, what causes it, and the treatment options available.

What are some examples of leukopenia?

Blood cell and bone marrow conditions: These can lead to leukopenia. Examples include aplastic anemia, overactive spleen, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Cancer: Leukemia and other cancers may damage the bone marrow and lead to leukopenia. Infectious diseases: Examples include HIV, AIDS, and tuberculosis.

Why do I have a low white blood cell count?

ANSWER: A low white blood cell count almost always is related to a decrease in a type of infection-fighting white blood cell called neutrophils. When you have a low level of neutrophils, the condition is known as neutropenia. There are many causes of neutropenia, ...

What is it called when you have a low neutrophil count?

When you have a low level of neutrophils, the condition is known as neutropenia. There are many causes of neutropenia, and some medications can lead to this problem. Birth control pills, however, typically are not linked to a decrease in neutrophils.

What causes neutrophils to grow faster?

Neutropenia also may be triggered by an underlying medical disorder, including viral infections — such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus and HIV — and sepsis, an overwhelming bloodstream infection that uses up neutrophils faster than they can be produced.

What causes neutropenia in children?

Rare causes of neutropenia in children include Kostmann’s syndrome, a congenital disorder involving low production of neutrophils, and myelokathexis, a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream.

Why do people have neutropenia?

The most common reason people develop neutropenia is as a side effect of chemotherapy medication to treat cancer.

Can neutropenia cause a blood test?

When the condition is severe, even the normal bacteria in your mouth and digestive tract may trigger serious illness. For most people who have neutropenia, though, the condition doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms. Many find out about it when they have a blood test done for another reason.

Can oral contraceptives cause neutropenia?

Although oral contraceptives typically do not cause neutropenia, it would be worthwhile to discuss your concerns about the pill with your health care provider and review other medications you may be taking to see if one of them could be the cause of your low white blood cell count.

How to take care of yourself when your white blood cells are low?

For instance, try these tips to feel better and avoid infections: Eat well: To heal, your body needs vitamins and nutrients. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Why do doctors check your white blood cells?

If you have a condition that increases your chances of developing leukopenia, your doctor will routinely check your white blood cell count to help prevent or lower your chance of developing complications.

What does it mean when your neutrophils are low?

If your blood is low in neutrophils, you have a type of leukopenia known as neutropenia. Neutrophils are the white blood cells that protect you from fungal and bacterial infections. Leukopenia is so often caused from a decrease in neutrophils that some people use the terms “leukopenia” and “neutropenia” interchangeably.

What is the name of the white blood cell that protects you from infections?

There are several different types of leukopenia, depending on which type of white blood cell your blood is low in: Each type protects your body from different kinds of infections. If your blood is low in neutrophils, you have a type of leukopenia known as neutropenia. Neutrophils are the white blood cells that protect you from fungal ...

What are the growth factors that help with leukopenia?

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and other growth factors derived from bone marrow can help if the cause of your leukopenia is genetic or caused by chemotherapy. These growth factors are proteins that stimulate your body to produce white blood cells.

Why is it important to follow up on blood tests?

Here’s one reason it’s important to follow up on your blood tests: When you’re sick, many of your symptoms are caused from the actions of your immune system — including your white blood cells — as they try to kill the infection.

What is the disease caused by granulomas?

Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a systemic illness caused by an exaggerated immune response and characterized by 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.

What does low white blood count do?

A low white blood cell count treatment helps improve the immune system of an individual, and thus, decreases the risk of infections. The following article will discuss some information related to the treatment for a low white blood cell count. Home / General Health / Low White Blood Cell Count Treatment. A low white blood cell count treatment helps ...

Why do white blood cells keep patrolling around the body?

A few white blood cells keep patrolling around the body to keep infections under check. The moment an infection is spotted, the number of white blood cells in the body increase. However, there are times when one suffers from leukopenia. Following are the causes of this condition:

What are the side effects of leukopenia?

The most common drugs prescribed are filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Filgrastim is given in the form of daily injections while pegfilgrastim is given as a single dose injection. There are a few side effects associated with these medications. They include fever, chills, and bone pain. Itchiness and redness at the site of injection also may occur. Leukopenia treatment in some extremely rare cases includes blood transfusion. Those who are on chemotherapy are asked to delay their treatment to help their blood count rise up.

How does leukopenia treatment work?

Leukopenia treatment gets a boost when the body has sufficient vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system . As one has low number of white blood cells, it is very important to avoid injury. Even a slight cut or scrape may lead to serious infections. Be careful while brushing teeth , shaving, and even blowing the nose.

Why do white blood cells protect the body?

Causes. White blood cells are defenders of our body against harmful invaders like microorganisms. There are different types of white blood cells that have a particular function in protecting the body. Under normal conditions, the immune system is at rest.

What is the ratio of white blood cells to red blood cells?

The ratio of white blood cells compared to red blood cells is 1:700. A high white blood cell count indicates an infection. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes are types of white blood cells that help protect the body from infections. There can be times when the body experiences a decrease in the number of white blood cells.

How much of the blood is white blood?

If you measure by volume, whole blood consists of 45% of red blood cells, 54.3% of plasma, and only 0.7% of white blood cells. As you can see, the white blood cells are much less than the red blood cells. The ratio of white blood cells compared to red blood cells is 1:700.

What is low WBC?

What Are the Treatments for Low WBC? White blood cells, or WBC, are produced in the bone marrow and are the disease-fighting cells of the body. According to MedLinePlus, a low WBC count, also called leukopenia or neutropenia, is when the concentration of white blood cells in the body are less than 4,500 cells per microliter of blood 1 2.

When to use WBC growth factors?

When using WBC growth factors, prompt medical care should be sought for symptoms of sudden abdominal pain, shortness of breath or signs of infection. Steroids may be used for immune-mediated leukopenia and function by redistributing existing white blood cells so they can be better utilized.

What are the two growth factors used for leukopenia?

The two most widely used so-called growth factors are Neupogen and Neulasta. These drugs are given as an injection and are effective in increasing WBC levels.

What causes leukopenia in the liver?

MayoClinic.com lists several causes of leukopenia: bone marrow failure from infection, tumor invasion or scarring, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, toxic exposure including drugs and radiation, diseases of liver or spleen, and overwhelming infection.

Can antibiotics be used for leukopenia?

Less data is available for the prophylactic use of anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs but should be considered in severe leukopenia. To prevent infections with leukopenia, antibiotics are often used, though there is a concern for the development of drug- resistant bacteria.

Can you use WBC growth factors for leukopenia?

An article in the September 2006 issue of Annals of Oncology reports that using medications that stimulate the bone marrow to produce white blood cells is a mainstay of leukopenia treatment. When using WBC growth factors, prompt medical care should be sought for symptoms of sudden abdominal pain, shortness of breath or signs of infection.

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