What is Low WBC?
A low WBC count can also be termed Leukopenia, where there is a low white blood cell count found in the blood. This can be dangerous because it makes the individual have an increased risk for infection. White blood cells (WBCs) are a very important part of everyone’s immune system to help fight against infection, and defends you from getting sick.
Causes of Low WBCs
There are many causes of low WBCs, some more serious than others. Some individuals may have low WBCs due to a recent cold or flu. However it may also be associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, myelofibrosis, and aplastic anemia (failure of red and white blood cell creation with poor platelet production). There is also the most popular idea of low WBC, which would be HIV and AIDs. Furthermore, there are different medications that may also cause low WBCs.
Medications Causing Low WBCs
There are many medications that have side effects which causes low WBCs. Some medications include clozapine, which is an antipsychotic that rarely causes agranulocytosis (a potentially life-threatening decrease in your WBC count).
How do I know if I have low WBCs?
How do you know if you have a low white blood cell count? If you find yourself often getting sick or infections, you should consult your physician. There are several methods of diagnosis they perform. The most common method is to have a complete blood count (CBC) done. You are considered to have a low WBC count if your count is lower than 3500 white blood cells per microliter of blood. However, this number may vary from practice to practice and in children, it varies with age and sex.
What should I do about low WBCs?
Since having a low WBC count may increase your risk of infections, you should discuss with your physician any precautious measures that will allow you to avoid contagious diseases. It is a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly and often after touching public objects like door knobs, toilets, etc.
Some other things you may want to try to protect yourself from infections would be monitoring your health, and having a good daily balanced diet. If you are feeling unwell, check your temperature orally. If you have a temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius, or 100.4 Fahrenheit, see your physician or call the emergency department if you are too unwell. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Again, maintaining good hygiene is important, not only for your hands, but cleaning your entire body. Try not to share any of your personal belongings to prevent contamination.
Having a low WBC count can be tough for some people due to constantly being sick; however, for some, they just live their lives as normal as anyone else.
