A low white blood cell count, also known as leukopenia, means your body isn't producing enough white blood cells to fight off infection. This can make you more susceptible to getting sick, especially with bacteria or viruses.
There are many reasons why your white blood cell count may be low, including:
- Cancer treatment: Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can suppress the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, including white blood cells.
- Viral infections: Some viruses, such as HIV or Epstein-Barr virus, can directly infect and destroy white blood cells.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs, can lower white blood cell counts.
- Bone marrow disorders: Problems with the bone marrow, like leukemia, can lead to decreased white blood cell production.
Symptoms:
You might not have any symptoms, but if your white blood cell count is very low, you might experience:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Frequent infections
Treatment:
Treatment for low white blood cell count depends on the underlying cause. If it's caused by a medication, the doctor may adjust the dosage or switch medications. For cancer patients, supportive care may include antibiotics to prevent infection or blood transfusions to boost white blood cell counts.
If you have any concerns about your white blood cell count, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can run tests to determine the cause of the low count and recommend the appropriate treatment.
