what does it mean when your white blood cells are low?
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A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
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Pancytopenia (Low Blood Cells) Pancytopenia is marked by low counts of all three types of blood cells—red cells, white cells and platelets. This condition can be caused by certain medications and by infections. In some cases, it is caused by a cancer or precancerous condition.
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If you had no white cells, you would get lots of very serious infections. White blood cells can find germs that enter your body and destroy them, which keeps them from making you sick. Some white blood cells make antibodies, which are special molecules that can stick to germs and make them harmless.
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Leukocytosis is a condition in which the white cell (leukocyte count) is above the normal range in the blood. It is frequently a sign of an inflammatory response, most commonly the result of infection, but may also occur following certain parasitic infections or bone tumors as well as leukemia.
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Hypochromic microcytic anemias Hypochromic means that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Low levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells leads to appear paler in color. In microcytic hypochromic anemia, your body has low levels of red blood cells that are both smaller and paler than normal.
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A low red blood cell count is called anemia. If you have a low red blood cell count, you may: Feel a little tired or very tired.
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Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infections of fungi and bacteria. Neutropenia can be caused by cancer or by diseases, disorders or infections that damage bone marrow.
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When you get sick, your white blood cell count is higher than normal. This is because your body is releasing more of these cells to fight the infection. But if you have certain illnesses like HIV or cancer, your white blood cell count can drop to very low levels.
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Anemia is an abnormally low level of red blood cells. It occurs when: The body does not make enough red blood cells.
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What does it mean if levels are low? Lymphocyte counts below the normal range can also be temporary. They can occur after a cold or another infection, or be caused by intense physical exercise, severe stress, or malnutrition. A low level can also be a sign of a condition known as lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia.
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Low counts can be contributed to sepsis, autoimmune disorders, lymphoma or conditions that affect bone marrow function. The test is nearly always ordered as part of a complete blood count, or CBC.
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Why it's done A lower than normal hematocrit can indicate: An insufficient supply of healthy red blood cells (anemia) A large number of white blood cells due to long-term illness, infection or a white blood cell disorder such as leukemia or lymphoma. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
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A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia . If you have a low white blood cell count, you may: Have repeated fevers and infections. Get bladder infections that may make it painful to pass urine, or make you urinate more often.
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Abnormal levels of white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia. If you test positive for leukemia, your doctor will perform a biopsy of your bone marrow to determine which type you have.
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A long-term low white blood cell count increases the risk of infections and may be caused by a number of different diseases and conditions. High white blood cell count (leukocytosis) means having too many leukocytes circulating in the blood, usually from having an infection.
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White blood cell count (WBC) A low WBC count may be due to chemotherapy, a viral infection, a toxic reaction, or a process in the bone marrow that limits the body's ability to make normal WBCs. A high WBC count may result from an infection or leukemia.
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Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. This condition may contribute to weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath. Leukopenia: A low white blood cell count. A decrease in the production of functional leukocytes (white blood cells) weakens the body's immune defense, which may make you more prone to infections.