What does it mean to have low white blood cells?
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Low white blood cell count refers to a decrease in leukocytes. Leukopenia may be caused by physiological cycles, inadequate nutrient intake, chronic viral infections, aplastic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other factors. It is important to avoid exposure to radioactive materials and chemical toxins, maintain good personal hygiene, eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, and engage in appropriate physical exercise, all of which help prevent low white blood cell counts.
In general, low white blood cell count refers to leukopenia. Leukopenia may be caused by physiological cycles, inadequate nutrient intake, chronic viral infections, aplastic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other reasons. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological cycle
During menstruation or pregnancy, women may experience changes in hormone levels that affect the production and release of white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a reduced white blood cell count. Usually, no specific treatment is required. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, regularly monitoring white blood cell counts, and consulting a doctor when necessary are sufficient.
2. Inadequate nutrient intake
Long-term nutritional imbalance, especially deficiencies in key nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, and folic acid, may impair white blood cell production in the bone marrow, resulting in low white blood cell counts. It is important to maintain healthy daily habits, replenish nutrients promptly, and avoid spicy and greasy foods.
3. Chronic viral infection
Infections such as parainfluenza virus, herpes simplex virus, or cytomegalovirus may suppress bone marrow hematopoietic function or destroy white blood cells, causing decreased white blood cell counts. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and runny nose. Antiviral medications such as antiviral oral solution, ribavirin tablets, or acyclovir tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.
4. Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by pancytopenia due to bone marrow failure, including insufficient production of white blood cells. Patients may also experience bleeding and infections. Treatment may include medications such as cyclosporine soft capsules, compound cyclophosphamide tablets, and stanozolol tablets, as recommended by a physician.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus may be related to genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune factors. The body's immune system may abnormally attack its own white blood cells, leading to leukopenia. Symptoms may include joint pain, rashes, and fever. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, cyclophosphamide tablets, or methotrexate tablets.
To help prevent leukopenia, avoid exposure to radioactive materials and toxic chemicals, prevent infections, and maintain good personal hygiene. Eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, engage in moderate exercise, and strengthen overall physical health.
