Low wbc what does it mean

Other causes of leukopenia include autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which cause the body to attack its own white blood cells. Certain medications can also destroy white blood cells. Vitamin deficiency, excessive alcohol consumption and generally poor diet can also lower a white blood cell count.

Abnormally low white blood cell levels could lead to higher risk of infection of any kind. A low white cell count itself does not directly produce any symptoms, but a patient who is immunocompromised as the result of significant leukopenia and then develops an infection may experience symptoms associated with that infection, such as fever, localised pain, fatigue, muscle ache, loss of appetite and general malaise.

Hand washing is a critical step in preventing pathogens on the hands from entering the body through eating or contact with the face. Wearing a facemask is also a good idea to prevent inhalation of pathogens. Cuts and wounds should also be avoided as much as possible, and when a cut or wound is present, great care should be taken to keep the wound clean.

Depending on the severity of low WBC, special consideration should also be given to the source and preparation of foods. You usually have normal white blood cells but your last test result was low A short-term low white blood cell count is usually due to acute neutropenia , a short period of time in which absolute number of neutrophils in the blood are low. It's a relatively common occurrence and is tolerated well in the body. Can exercise reduce white blood cell count?

Yes, high frequency of intense exercise, particularly in endurance sports, can reduce your white blood cell count and make you more susceptible to illness. This is often exhibited as upper respiratory infection in runners and cyclists during cold months. Can low white blood cells cause fatigue? If you have low WBC and are increasingly feeling fatigued, both are likely symptoms of an underlying issue.

This could be a range of issues, from over-exercise or overtraining, low folate or B12 levels, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and certainly cancers. The term allostatic load refers to the wear and tear on the body and brain as a result of stress. It is regulated by adrenalin and cortisol, among other compounds. As your body works to adapt to and deal with the biological causes of stress, its ability to manage resources for the immune defense response may be compromised.

Sleeping hours per night can help you maintain normal levels of white blood cells, especially neutrophils. That is, too little exercise and too much exercise can both increase your risk of infection. Routine, moderate-intensity exercise e. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

These compounds can help to support the normal functioning of white blood cells and the immune system overall. In particular, focus on the antioxidants vitamin A, C, E and selenium. Vitamin A can be found in red, orange, and yellow-hued fruits and vegetables, as well as dark leafy greens.

It is best absorbed when eaten with some source of fat and a mixture of fresh and cooked sources. Vitamin C is found in citrus, berries, broccoli, bell peppers, kiwis, and Brussels sprouts. Limited cooking is best to preserve vitamin C content. Vitamin E is mostly found in nuts and seeds. The provider will collect a few drops of blood and put a bandage on the site.

After a blood test, you may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. There is very little risk to your baby or child with a needle stick test.

Your child may feel a little pinch when the site is poked, and a small bruise may form at the site. This should go away quickly. If you are already being treated for a white blood cell disorder, your results may show if your treatment is working or whether your condition has improved.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. White blood count results are often compared with results of other blood tests, including a blood differential.

A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is a white blood count WBC? There are five major types of white blood cells: Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Eosinophils Basophils A white blood count measures the total number of these cells in your blood. Other names: WBC count, white cell count, white blood cell count. What is it used for? If you have a low white blood cell count caused by illness or medicine you should take steps to avoid infections.

Page last reviewed: 11 November Next review due: 11 November Low white blood cell count.