What does it mean to have a low white blood cell count?
Disease description:
Today, I went for a medical check-up with my son. When I received his blood test report, I found that his white blood cell count was significantly reduced. I would like to consult with an expert regarding what causes a decrease in white blood cells.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Leukopenia refers to a condition in which the peripheral blood white blood cell count persistently remains below the normal range and may be caused by various factors:
1. **Impaired production**: Decreased proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells or aplastic anemia can lead to reduced white blood cell production.
2. **Excessive destruction**: Infections, autoimmune diseases, and other factors may cause excessive destruction of white blood cells, resulting in decreased counts.
3. **Abnormal distribution**: In conditions such as allergy or endotoxemia, granulocytes may be abnormally distributed, leading to a decrease in white blood cell count.
4. **Drugs or chemical factors**: Anticancer medications, radiotherapy, or long-term exposure to chemical toxins can all potentially cause leukopenia.
Leukopenia is a complex condition that requires comprehensive evaluation of the patient's specific circumstances and possible underlying causes to implement appropriate therapeutic measures.
