Low wbc should i be worried

A single low WBC measure is not enough information for diagnosis. Speak with your physician about the need for follow-up testing. For most people, a low white blood cell level does not indicate illness or disease, but rather that your immune system is functioning properly.

To maintain a properly functioning immune system, take action on improving lifestyle factors related to your white blood cell count. To learn what actions you can take to impact your white blood cell count, upload your results and develop your action plan with InsideTracker.

Hum Genet. Get in touch by phone or email contactus insidetracker. The inside guide Evidence-based tools to empower you to live a healthier, longer life. What are white blood cells WBC? They are largely produced in the bone marrow, although the spleen plays a role in the production of some types of white blood cells, too.

The production of these cells is stimulated in response to infection, upon which they circulate throughout the blood and lymph systems. Generally, though, a normal white blood cell count is 4,, per microliter of blood.

This is usually reported as 4. You may also see this value represented as a percent of your total white blood cell count. The many causes of low white blood cells First, before trying to pinpoint the cause behind a low WBC measure, it is important to note that a single data point really can't provide a comprehensive answer.

So track down past blood work and use it as a comparison point for your new results—using multiple data points can help you determine whether you fall into one of the below categories. If your normal is lower than the defined normal range The normal zones outlined above are based on the population as a whole.

This is likely due to genetic variations and do not necessarily predispose you for an increased risk of infection. If your white blood cell levels were once normal, but have been consistently low as of late If you do not have a history of low WBC but have experienced a pattern of low results over recent months, you may be experiencing an issue with the production of white blood cells.

Causes range from relatively benign to more serious. Here a few: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and folate play a crucial role in WBC formation. Low levels of vitamin B6, copper, and zinc may also play a role in low WBC production. A blood test can identify whether these nutrients are low, as you should not take supplements of these nutrients if your levels are normal.

Chronic malnutrition and alcoholism can also result in these deficiencies, and can therefore also be a cause of low WBC. Viral infections Viral infections that last for several months or indefinitely can cause white blood cell levels to be chronically low.

Autoimmune diseases Low white blood cell counts can results from some autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis , as autoimmune diseases attack the immune system. 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.

The main risk of an abnormally low white blood cell count is how vulnerable it may make a person to infection. Without an adequate white blood cell response available to fight infection, the body is at greater risk that any infection including those usually regarded as minor may cause serious illness or death.

Risk of infection is an even greater concern for a patient whose immunity is already compromised for some reason. Neutropenia and leukopenia are terms used to refer to lowered numbers of white blood cells WBCs in the blood.

WBCs help the body fight infection and disease. When WBC counts are low, there is a higher risk of infection. Not every person receiving cancer treatment will experience neutropenia or leukopenia, but many do. Leukopenia is a decrease in the total number of white blood cells.

Leukocyte is another name for white blood cell. They are made in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and lymphatic tissues. Leukocytes play a key part in defending the body against viruses and bacteria, which can cause infection. Neutropenia is a low neutrophil count.

Neutrophils are a type of WBC that surround and destroy bacteria in the body. They are very important in fighting infection. Normal levels of WBCs may vary between labs.

The neutrophil count may be reported as the absolute neutrophil count ANC. Generally, normal ranges are: WBC leukocyte count: 4. A person has leukopenia when the total WBC count is less than 3. A person has neutropenia when the ANC is less than 1. The neutrophil count usually decreases with the WBC count, but it is possible to have a normal WBC count and still have neutropenia.

The risk of developing an infection is greater when the ANC is less than 1. The risk increases as the neutrophil level drops and the longer it remains low. An infection is likely to occur if the ANC is less than 0.

Once the WBC count drops, it remains low for 7—10 days. The lowest level that blood cell counts reach is called the nadir. It is important to do everything possible to lower the chances of infection and to seek immediate treatment even if you think you have an infection.

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. Leukopenia and neutropenia do not cause any symptoms. People with cancer usually find out they have low white blood cell counts from a blood test or when they get an infection.

An infection can start in almost any part of the body, but many occur in the skin, mucous membranes, digestive tract or respiratory tract. 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. Take the temperature by mouth or under the arm. You can also use a special ear thermometer to take the temperature. Do not take a rectal temperature because this could cause bleeding or an infection in the rectal area. Leukopenia or neutropenia are usually diagnosed by a complete blood count CBC. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider: Fevers, chills, or sweats.

These may be signs of infection. Diarrhea that does not go away or is bloody. Severe nausea and vomiting. Being unable to eat or drink. Extreme weakness. Redness, swelling, or drainage from any place where you have an IV line inserted into your body.

A new skin rash or blisters. Pain in your stomach area. A very bad headache or one that does not go away. A cough that is getting worse. Trouble breathing when you are at rest or when you are doing simple tasks.

Burning when you urinate.