Causes for low white blood cells

There are plenty of causes for low white blood cells in an individual. Low white blood cells symptoms are usually based on the type of disease or infectious process that the individual is suffering from which is resulting in a low white blood cells count. White blood cells or leukocytes are usually produced by the bone marrow.

Typically in a healthy individual, around 100 billion leukocytes or white blood cells are produced on a daily basis. A typical blood test will measure the level of white blood cells in terms of the number of white blood cells that are present per micro liter of blood which should ideally be between 4000 to 11000 cells. If the white blood cells are lower than this level then it is an indication of a disease process which in turn makes the individual more prone to infections as the immune system of the individual is weakened.

There are almost 31 known causes for low white blood cells in an individual and these include aplastic anemia, leukemia, diseases of the liver and the spleen as also radiation therapy. Besides these the other causes for low white blood cells include various diseases that may affect both adults and children such as malaria, flu, typhoid and measles. Low white blood cells treatment depends on the type of white blood cells that has a low count in the individual. This is because if the bone marrow is not able to produce sufficient amount of neutrophils to replace the ones that are being destroyed by viral or bacterial infections. The individual is then most likely to develop neutropenia which also makes the person more vulnerable to developing infections. The immunity levels of the individual are also affected with the fall in the white blood cells known as monocytes. Similarly basophils which are a type of white blood cells if low, tend to affect both the immunity and the repair and healing of wounds. Low white blood cells symptoms which need to be immediately reported to a doctor are chill or shakes, sudden onset of an unexplained discomfort or pain, a sore throat that refuses to heal as well as any symptoms of a bladder infection. Low white blood cells diet should incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables which should be thoroughly washed before eating them. One should also avoid eating undercooked or raw foods such as seafood, eggs, dairy products and so on. In addition to one’s diet, the individual should also get plenty of exercise and adequate sleep to combat low white blood cells.