Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Kumar V, et al. Diseases of white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Nov. Marx JA, et al. Anemia, polycythemia, and white blood cells disorders. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine. Leuokepenia adults. Rochester, Minn. They are stored within the blood and lymphatic systems until they are necessary for fighting an infection or disease in the body.
White blood cells are components of the blood that protect the body against disease and foreign invaders. There are normally between 4, and 11, white blood cells in every microliter of blood, although this can vary according to sex, age, and race. When necessary, monocytes travel to other organs, such as the spleen, liver, lungs, and bone marrow, where they transform into a cell called a macrophage. A macrophage is responsible for many functions, including removing dead or damaged tissue, destroying cancer cells, and regulating the immune response.
An increase in white blood cells is known as leukocytosis. It typically occurs in response to the following conditions:.
Certain respiratory conditions, such as a whooping cough or tuberculosis , may cause the levels of white blood cells to increase. In some cases, all white blood cells become affected. However, some people have a specific disease in which only one type of white blood cell is affected. If levels of one particular type of white blood cell increase, this may be due to a specific trigger:.
There is, on occasion, no identifiable cause for the increase in white blood cells. This is known as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. It can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the heart, lung, liver, skin, and nervous system. White blood cell levels increase significantly during healthy pregnancy because of the physical stress the body endures during this time.
The levels start to rise within the first trimester and continue to rise into the third trimester. Anything below 4, is typically considered to be a low white blood cell count.
Low white blood cell count is often caused by problems with the bone marrow where they are made. Chemicals such as benzene and certain pesticides can also damage the bone marrow.
Another common cause for a low white blood cell count is infection. An infection can affect the bone marrow and make it difficult for the body to produce white blood cells. Avoid crowds, such as those in shopping malls or on buses while blood counts are low.
Follow precautions for food safety. Cook vegetables and wash and peel fruit to get rid of bacteria on their surfaces. Avoid uncooked eggs, raw or undercooked meats, poultry, fish and seafood. These foods can contain harmful organisms.
Live plants can be a source of germs. Remove plants from the living area. Avoid cleaning cat litter boxes or birdcages. Check with the healthcare team if any precautions should be taken during sexual activity when white blood cell counts are low. Home Treatments Side effects Low white blood cell count.
Low white blood cell count neutropenia. Leukopenia and neutropenia can be caused by: chemotherapy radiation therapy certain biological therapies such as interleukin-2 Aldesleukin, Proleukin or rituximab Rituxan bone marrow disease such as leukemia The risk of low white blood cell counts is greater if chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given at the same time or if large areas of bone marrow are in the radiation treatment area.
The most common signs and symptoms of an infection include: fever and chills swelling and redness mouth sores, red or white patches in the mouth sore throat severe cough or shortness of breath pain or burning when urinating or foul-smelling urine diarrhea pain, redness or swelling of the rectal area drainage, pus, redness or swelling from a cut, sore, incision, venous access device or drainage tube unusual vaginal discharge or itching Sometimes a fever is the only sign of infection, but a person can have an infection without having a fever or chills.
If the healthcare team thinks you have an infection, they will: ask you about symptoms, medicines and treatments do a physical exam take your temperature They will also order blood or urine tests or collect samples from any other possible site of infection.
Managing low white blood cell counts. Colony-stimulating factors. Special precautions. Delaying treatment. Preventing infection.
You can also take the following steps to help lower your risk of getting an infection. Practise good personal hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush or clean cloth to clean teeth and gums to avoid irritating the mouth. Use pads rather than tampons during menstruation. Protect your skin. Maintain good general health. References Stem cell transplant. American Cancer Society. Understanding chemotherapy: a guide for patients and families.
American Cancer Society; Alexandria, VA. Camp-Sorrell, D. Chemotherapy toxicities and management. Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; pp.
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