A low white blood cell count, also called leukopenia , can be caused by a variety of health conditions, diseases, or other related problems. It is generally discovered through testing, which means that a patient is already experiencing symptoms that have prompted them to see a medical professional. With so many factors that can cause a low white blood cell count, it is important to have extensive tests that can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.
White blood cells, also called leukocytes They are the warriors of the immune system. Produced primarily by the bone marrow, the white blood cell count will initially rise when the body is attacked by disease. However, if the infection is overwhelming, white blood cells can be consumed faster than they can be released, leading to a low count. Also, if an infection is disrupting the functions of the bone marrow, production may be reduced and the white blood cell count may drop. In a healthy adult, white blood cells make up about 1% of blood composition, but this proportion varies with age and even gender.
Sometimes a low white blood cell count is attributed to medication or treatment. Certain intensive drug therapies, such as chemotherapy to fight cancer, will destroy white blood cells and cancer cells. People undergoing chemotherapy are carefully monitored to ensure their white blood cell count stays above a minimum level, as falling too high carries a high risk of infection and other complications. Radiation therapy, another type of cancer treatment, can also destroy healthy white blood cells along with diseased cancer cells.
A low white blood cell count is often the result of a viral infection or a birth defect that slows bone marrow function. Without the bone marrow that makes white blood cells, any minor infection can spread quickly because of a weak defense. Some congenital problems considered possible causes of decreased white blood cell production include myelocathexis and Kostmann syndrome.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions that lead the body to attack its own defense system. As the body turns inward, white blood cells can become a major casualty in the battle by trying to attack the body's organs and tissues rather than infection. Lupus and HIV/AIDS are two common autoimmune diseases associated with low white blood cell counts.
In some cases, a vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause the white blood cell count to drop significantly. This is commonly associated with a deficiency of copper and zinc, although low red and white blood cell counts can also be due to a lack of iron or vitamin B12 in the diet. Adding a daily vitamin supplement or changing the diet to include more vitamin-rich foods can sometimes increase a vitamin deficiency caused by low blood cell counts.