what happens if white blood cells are low

Imagine feeling tired and a small sniffle makes you shiver. You might wonder if your immune system is weak. This is especially true when your white blood cell count is low. These tiny warriors fight infections, and without enough, you’re more at risk¹.

White blood cells are key to your immune system. They’re just 1% of your blood but play a big role¹. If their numbers drop, you’re more open to infections¹.

So, why do white blood cells drop? It could be from cancer treatments, some medicines, or health issues like leukaemia or HIV¹. A low count might signal a bigger problem that needs doctor’s care.

But how low is too low? A healthy adult has 5,000 to 10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood². Below 1,000 neutrophils per microliter means you have neutropenia³. Having less than 500 neutrophils per microliter is very risky for infections³.

Some groups, like African American women, might naturally have lower counts. Studies show 25%-50% of African Americans have neutrophil counts under 1,500 per microliter². This is called benign ethnic neutropenia and is usually not a worry.

If you think your white blood cell count is low, don’t worry. Your doctor can do a blood test to check. In the meantime, wash your hands often and avoid sick people.

Your white blood cells are always working to keep you healthy. Knowing about low counts helps you support your immune system. This way, you can stay ahead of health problems.

Key Takeaways

• White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial for fighting infections and maintaining a strong immune system.
• A low white blood cell count, called leukopenia or neutropenia, can leave you vulnerable to infections.
• Common causes of a low white blood cell count include cancer treatments, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
• Severe neutropenia, defined as having fewer than 500 neutrophils per microliter of blood, increases the risk of infections.
• If you suspect your white blood cell count is low, consult your doctor for a complete blood count (CBC) test.

Understanding White Blood Cells

White blood cells are key to your immune system. They fight off infections and diseases. There are five main types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils⁴.

Types of White Blood Cells

Each type has a special job. Neutrophils are the first line against bacteria, making up 50% to 70% of white blood cells⁵. Lymphocytes, 20% to 40%, help your body remember and fight off future threats⁵. Monocytes, 2% to 8%, turn into cells that clean up the body⁵.

Eosinophils, 1 to 4%, help with allergies and fighting parasites⁵. Basophils, less than 1%, play a role in inflammation and allergies⁵.

Functions of White Blood Cells

White blood cells work together to keep you safe. They are made in the bone marrow and travel through your body. Their main jobs are:

• Destroying harmful invaders
• Making antibodies to fight infections
• Breaking down foreign particles and damaged cells
• Helping other immune cells by releasing chemicals

A white blood count shows how many white blood cells you have. It can also show how many of each type you have⁴. Having too many or too few of certain types can mean you’re fighting an infection or have a disease⁴.

White blood cells are the unsung heroes of your immune system, working tirelessly to keep you healthy and protect you from various threats.

Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count

Many things can cause a low white blood cell count. Some need medical help. Knowing the causes helps in treating and managing your health.

Infections

Viral infections are the top reason for low white blood cells in adults⁶. Severe infections make your body use up white blood cells quickly⁶. Neutrophils, which fight infections, make up 55-70% of white blood cells⁷. If neutrophils fall below 1,000 per µL of blood, it’s called neutropenia⁷.

Medications

Some medicines harm white blood cell production. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, used for cancer, kill healthy white blood cells⁸. Other drugs, like antihistamines and immunosuppressants, can also lower white blood cell counts⁷. Always talk to your doctor about possible side effects of new medicines.

Cancer and Cancer Treatments

Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect white blood cells⁸. These therapies harm the bone marrow, making it hard to make new white blood cells⁸. This makes patients more likely to get infections.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, harm white blood cells⁸. The immune system attacks healthy cells, thinking they are invaders. It’s important to manage these conditions to keep white blood cell counts healthy.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Poor diet or lack of vitamins and minerals can hurt white blood cell production⁷. Not enough folate, copper, or vitamin B12 can cause low white blood cell counts⁷. Eating well and taking supplements with B12 and folate can help.

Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count

A low white blood cell (WBC) count might not show symptoms right away. But it makes you more likely to get sick. For adults, a normal WBC count is between 5,000 to 10,000 per microliter (μL) of blood. This range is different for men and women⁹.

If your WBC count is below 4,000 per μL of blood, it’s considered low⁹.

When you get sick, you might feel fever, rashes, or mouth ulcers that won’t heal. You could also get sores around your anus or even pneumonia. These signs can show up quickly or take a few days to appear. They might come and go if your WBC count changes.

Other signs include feeling very tired, body aches, fever, and headaches⁹. It’s key to remember that you might not notice these signs unless your WBC count is very low. The symptoms can also change based on which blood cell is affected¹⁰.

“I felt exhausted all the time and kept getting infections. It wasn’t until my doctor ran some tests that we discovered my white blood cell count was dangerously low. Getting the right treatment made all the difference in my recovery.” – Sarah, 42, Melbourne

Having low blood cell counts can cause problems like delayed treatment or needing new medicines¹⁰. The worst cases can lead to more infections, anemia, or bleeding¹⁰. If you’re worried about your symptoms or have a condition that affects your WBC count, see your doctor. They can figure out what’s wrong and help you get better.

To learn more about why your WBC count might be low, check out our guide on leukopenia.

Diagnosing Low White Blood Cell Count

If you’re feeling sick or keep getting infections, your doctor might do a blood test. This test checks your white blood cell count. The normal count is between 4,000 and 10,000 per microliter¹¹.

Each lab has its own range, usually 4,000-11,000 WBCs per microliter. This can change based on age, race, and sex¹².

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC test can find a low WBC count. It checks red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. You’ll get your results in a few days¹².

Differential Blood Test

If a low count doesn’t have a clear cause, a differential test might be needed. It looks at five types of WBCs: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils¹². Two hundred cells are counted and classified¹¹.

Automated counters are more accurate and faster than manual methods¹¹.

Additional Tests

More tests might be needed to find the cause of a low WBC count. These could include:

• Tests for infections like strep throat or mono
• Urine tests for urinary tract infections
• Chest X-rays for pneumonia
• Bone marrow sample for bone health

Many histochemical stains are used to tell different WBC types apart¹¹. Abnormal WBC levels might mean a health issue. But, more tests are often needed for a clear diagnosis¹².

Remember, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in managing low white blood cell counts and preventing complications.

Risks Associated with Low White Blood Cells

When your white blood cell count is too low, you face health risks¹³. Low white blood cells make you more likely to get sick. It’s important to know these risks and stay healthy.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

Low white blood cells make you more likely to get infections. If your ANC is below 1.9 x 10^9/L, you’re at risk¹³. When it drops to 0.5 x 10^9/L or lower, the risk grows even higher¹³.

Patients getting both radiation and chemotherapy are at a higher risk too¹⁴. Symptoms include fever, rashes, and mouth ulcers. To stay safe, wash your hands often and avoid sick people¹³.

Severe Illness Complications

Infections from low white blood cells can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a serious condition that can cause organ failure. If you have an infection or signs of sepsis, get medical help fast.

Low white blood cells often mean bone marrow problems. Exposure to harmful chemicals and certain cancers can damage the bone marrow. If you’ve been exposed, work closely with your doctor to monitor your white blood cell count.

Neutropenic precautions become necessary when your white blood cell count drops to 1,000 per mm3 or below. Your doctor may recommend growth factors to stimulate white blood cell production, typically administered 24 hours after completing chemotherapy¹⁴.

Low platelet counts also pose risks. Normal platelet counts are between 150,000–400,000 per mm3 of blood¹⁴. If your platelet levels drop below 20,000 per mm3 and you show signs of bleeding, you may need platelet transfusions¹⁴. Symptoms include bruising, bleeding gums, and dark urine¹⁴. To avoid injuries, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting¹⁴.

Treatment Options for Low White Blood Cell Count

If your white blood cell count is low, your doctor will find the cause. They will make a plan just for you. This plan aims to fix your white blood cell count and boost your immune system.

Addressing Underlying Causes

First, find and fix any problems that lower your white blood cells. Doctors might use antibiotics or antivirals to fight infections. They might also change or stop some medicines that harm your white blood cells¹⁵.

Medications to Stimulate White Blood Cell Production

Your doctor might give you medicines to make more white blood cells. These are called growth factors, like G-CSF, filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, and sargramostim¹⁵. These medicines are given as shots and tell your bone marrow to make more white blood cells¹.

Growth factors can be a game-changer for people with low white blood cell counts. They provide a targeted approach to stimulating white blood cell production and helping the body mount a stronger immune response.

Bone Marrow Transplant

In serious cases, like aplastic anaemia or leukaemia, a bone marrow transplant might be needed. This is when bad bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells from a donor. These stem cells help make healthy blood cells again¹⁵.

Your healthcare team will keep an eye on your white blood cell count. They use tests like the complete blood count (CBC)¹⁶. This helps them see how you’re doing and change your treatment if needed. Sometimes, a blood specialist is called in for extra help.

Every person’s treatment is different. What works for one might not work for another. By working with your healthcare team, you can improve your white blood cell count and get healthier.

Preventing Infections with Low White Blood Cells

When your white blood cell count is low, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to avoid infections. While a low white blood cell count can’t always be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection and maintain your overall health¹⁷.

One of the most effective ways to prevent infections is through diligent hand washing. Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom¹⁸. If soap and water aren’t readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean.

Staying up to date on your vaccinations is another important step in preventing infections. Be sure to get your annual flu shot and consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already. These vaccinations can help protect you from serious illnesses that could be especially dangerous when your white blood cell count is low.

Avoiding crowded places and wearing a mask when you can’t maintain social distancing can also help reduce your exposure to harmful germs. If you do need to be in a crowded area, consider wearing a high-quality mask to filter out potential pathogens¹⁷¹⁸.

Proper food safety practices are essential when your immune system is compromised. Make sure to cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly, and wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them¹⁷. Avoid unpasteurized foods, raw honey, and certain types of teas that may contain harmful bacteria¹⁸. Storing food at the appropriate temperatures and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods can also help prevent foodborne illnesses.

“Hand hygiene practices are crucial in infection prevention, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating, especially significant for individuals with low white blood cell counts.”¹⁸

When it comes to personal hygiene, using an electric shaver instead of a razor can help reduce the risk of cuts and nicks that could lead to infections. Avoid shared hot tubs and personal items like towels or toothbrushes, as these can harbour harmful bacteria¹⁸.

Protecting your skin is another important aspect of preventing infections. Use lotions and lip balm to keep your skin moisturised, and wear gloves when doing activities that could cause cuts or scrapes. If you do get a cut or wound, clean it promptly and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection¹⁸.

Other precautions include not walking barefoot outside, avoiding swimming in natural bodies of water, and steering clear of animal waste or soiled nappies. By taking these steps and being vigilant about your health, you can help reduce your risk of infection and maintain your well-being, even with a low white blood cell count¹⁷¹⁸.

Living with Low White Blood Cell Count

Living with a low white blood cell count can be tough. But, making lifestyle changes and working with your doctor can help. A normal count is between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood¹⁹. If it’s below 3.5 thousand cells/μL, especially under 3.0 thousand cells/μL, see your doctor¹⁹.

Lifestyle Modifications

Eating a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains is key. Regular exercise boosts your immune system, but don’t overdo it¹⁹. Stress management, enough sleep, and a strong support network also help your health.

Keeping a healthy weight is important. Being overweight can lead to more white blood cells because of inflammation¹⁹. Quit smoking too, as it causes inflammation and can raise your white blood cell count¹⁹.

Lifestyle factors like managing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a variety of fruits and veggies, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking can improve your white blood cell count and immune function¹⁹.

Regular Monitoring

Working with your doctor is key to managing a low white blood cell count. Regular blood tests, like a CBC and differential blood test, help track your levels and spot any issues.

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Quickly treating infections or symptoms is vital to avoid serious problems. By following your doctor’s plan, you can manage your condition and live well.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you know you have a low white blood cell count, watch for infection signs. Call your doctor if you have a high fever, chills, sore throat, skin rash, or flu-like symptoms. In adults, having less than 4,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood is low²¹.

Also, tell your doctor if you’re very tired, dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, or can’t breathe well.

See a doctor right away if you have a fever over 38°C, severe belly pain, sudden vision changes, or unusual bleeding or bruising. These could mean a serious infection or problem with your low white blood cell count. Also, watch for sepsis signs like confusion, fast breathing, and a fast heart rate. This is a life-threatening condition that needs emergency care.

Going to regular doctor visits is key to keep an eye on your white blood cell levels and health. For adults, the normal range is between 4,500 to 10,500/mm3²². But, things like HIV, cancer, or certain medicines can lower your count a lot²².

Talking openly with your healthcare team helps them keep track of any changes. They can then adjust your treatment as needed.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you’re concerned about your white blood cell count or experiencing any unusual symptoms. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure you receive the care you need.

The normal white blood cell count range changes with age and gender. For men, it’s usually 5,000 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. Women’s range is 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter²¹. Kids have a range of 5,000 to 10,000 cells per microliter²¹. Babies have different ranges based on their age²².

By knowing about your white blood cell count, recognizing infection signs, and talking regularly with your healthcare team, you can manage your health. This helps reduce risks from a low white blood cell count.

Benign Ethnic Neutropenia

If you or someone you know is of African, Middle Eastern, or certain European ancestries, you might know about benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN). This condition means you have fewer white blood cells, especially neutrophils. Neutrophils fight infections²³. But, BEN is not harmful and doesn’t raise the risk of getting sick²³.

BEN is most common in people of African descent, affecting 25-50% of African Americans²⁴. Less than 1% of Americans with European ancestry have it²³. It also affects people of Middle Eastern descent, like Yemenite Jews and Arabs²⁴.

Research found that BEN is linked to a genetic change in the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) gene²³. This change, known as the ‘ACKR1/DARC null’ polymorphism, is more common in Africans and Yemenite Jews²⁴. It might help protect against malaria, a big health problem in Africa²³.

People with BEN have fewer neutrophils, but they don’t get sick more often²³. Studies show their white blood cell counts stay stable for years²³. They also have lower rates of diseases like hypertension and diabetes²³.

“Benign ethnic neutropenia is a prime example of how genetic variations can impact health in different populations. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing personalized care and avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.”

Want to learn more about health and biology? Check out WhatHappensIf.com.au. It has interesting articles and discussions for curious minds.

In summary, benign ethnic neutropenia is a harmless condition found in certain ethnic groups. It lowers neutrophil counts but doesn’t raise the risk of infections or diseases. Knowing about its genetic basis helps healthcare professionals give better care and avoid unnecessary treatments²⁴²³.

White Blood Cells and the Immune System

White blood cells make up only about 1% of your blood²⁵. Yet, they are crucial in fighting off infections and diseases. They work together to keep you healthy, playing a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity.

There are many types of white blood cells. These include monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes (B cells and T cells). Each type has its own job in the immune system²⁶.

Neutrophils: The First Line of Defence

Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells²⁵. They are the first to fight off infections. These cells eat and kill bacteria and other harmful cells²⁶²⁷.

When neutrophils find pathogens, they start inflammation. This is shown by redness and swelling. It helps heal damaged tissues. Neutrophils work hard to keep your body safe.

Lymphocytes: Antibody Production and Targeted Responses

Lymphocytes, like B cells and T cells, are key to adaptive immunity. They come from bone marrow stem cells²⁷. B cells make antibodies, while T cells attack infected cells and help control the immune system²⁷.

Antibodies are proteins made by B cells. Your body can make thousands of different antibodies. Each one targets a specific antigen²⁶. T cells directly attack infected cells and help manage immune responses²⁶.

Other white blood cells also help defend your body. Monocytes live longer and can turn into macrophages. These cells eat and kill invaders²⁶. Eosinophils fight parasites and cancer cells, and help with allergies²⁵. Basophils release histamine to control the immune response²⁵.

To learn more about how white blood cells protect you, check out our immune system overview. Understanding your immune system helps you support your white blood cells and stay healthy.

Conclusion

It’s important to know why your white blood cell count might be low. This helps keep your immune system strong and stops infections. White blood cells, especially neutrophils, fight off germs first²⁸.

If your count is too low, you might get sick more often. This is because your body can’t fight off germs as well²⁹.

Things like autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, not eating right, and some medicines can lower your white blood cell count²⁹²⁸. Talking to your doctor can help find out why and how to fix it. They might change your treatment or help your body make more white blood cells.

To keep your immune system strong, you should live a healthy lifestyle. This means washing your hands often, eating well, exercising, and managing stress²⁸. If you notice any signs of infection, tell your doctor right away. This way, they can help you before things get worse.

Living with a low white blood cell count means you need to watch yourself closely. Listen to your doctor and make healthy choices. This way, you can manage your condition and live well. If you’re worried about your white blood cell count or feel sick, talk to your doctor. With the right care, you can keep your immune system strong and feel better.