What causes low white blood cell count?
Disease description:
After a routine blood test, the report stated that my white blood cell count was low. I'm very curious—what are the possible causes of a low white blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The main causes of low white blood cell count include the following categories:
1. Infections: Especially viral infections, such as influenza and viral hepatitis, as well as Gram-negative bacterial infections, such as typhoid and paratyphoid infections, may all lead to a decrease in white blood cells.
2. Hematologic disorders: Conditions such as aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes can affect white blood cell production or increase their destruction.
3. Autoimmune diseases: Such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome, in which antibodies or immune factors produced within the body may destroy white blood cells.
4. Physical and chemical factors: Long-term exposure to physical agents such as X-rays and gamma rays, as well as chemicals such as benzene, lead, and mercury, may all lead to a decrease in white blood cells.
If a low white blood cell count is detected, prompt medical attention is recommended.
