A low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, can be caused by various health conditions, diseases, or treatments. White blood cells are essential for the immune system, and a low count can result in a weak defense against infections. Comprehensive testing is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.
A low white blood cell count, also called leukopenia, can be caused by a variety of health conditions, diseases, or other related problems. Generally, it’s discovered through testing, which means that a patient is usually already experiencing symptoms that prompted them to see a doctor. With so many factors that can cause a low white blood cell count, it’s important to get comprehensive tests that can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, 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. If the infection is overwhelming, however, white blood cells can be used up faster than they can be released, leading to a low count. Also, if an infection disturbs bone marrow functions, production may be slowed down and white blood cell counts may decrease. In a healthy adult, white blood cells make up about 1% of the blood composition, but this proportion varies with age and even gender.
Sometimes, a low white blood cell count is attributed to medications or treatments. Some intensive drug therapies, such as cancer chemotherapy, destroy white blood cells and cancer cells. People undergoing chemotherapy are closely monitored to ensure that their white blood cell count stays above a low level, as dropping too much leads to 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 and cancerous 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 bone marrow producing white blood cells, any minor infection can spread rapidly in the wake of a weak defense. Some birth defects considered possible causes of decreased white blood production include mylocathexis and Kostmann syndrome.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions that cause the body to attack its own defense system. When the body turns inward, white blood cells can become a major casualty of the battle as they attempt to attack the body’s organs and tissues instead of infections. Lupus and HIV/AIDS are two common autoimmune diseases associated with a low white blood cell count.
In some cases, a vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause a significant drop in white blood cell count. This is commonly associated with a copper and zinc deficiency, 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 your diet to include more vitamin-rich foods can sometimes increase a vitamin deficiency caused by low blood cell counts.
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