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What To Know About Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia)
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOMedically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DO
White blood cells are blood cells that are part of the immune system. They are responsible for ingesting, killing, and digesting harmful pathogens like viruses or bacteria. The body's level of white blood cells is usually measured with a blood test to measure the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. When the neutrophil count is too low, it is known as neutropenia.
Typically, a low neutrophil count (neutropenia) results in a low white blood cell count, meaning your body does not have enough white blood cells to fight infection. People with a low white blood cell count have lowered immunity levels (immunocompromised).
Cancer and cancer treatments are common causes of neutropenia. Other possible causes include chronic (long-term) health conditions and infections. Sometimes, the cause is unknown. A low white blood cell count raises the risk of serious infection. Possible symptoms include recurrent infections, fever, chills, and a chronic cough. There are a few ways to treat neutropenia and lower the risk of infection.
Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell CountA low white blood cell count raises the risk of serious infection. Possible symptoms of chronic infections include:
Neutropenia may cause no symptoms at all. Neutrophils cause the immune system reaction of redness and swelling when an area of the body is infected. If your neutrophil count is low, as it would be with neutropenia, then your body might experience infections without you having a strong immune system reaction. Due to the lack of symptoms, you could be unaware you are experiencing an infection.
CausesA low white blood cell count occurs when the body does not have enough white blood cells to fight infection. Neutrophils are responsible for ingesting, killing, and digesting harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Cancer is a common cause of neutropenia.
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow (stem cell) transplant, and corticosteroids may also cause a low white blood cell count. Most people experience neutropenia about seven to 12 days after chemotherapy.
Infections that can lead to neutropenia include Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and parvovirus B19. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that may also cause neutropenia.
Other types of neutropenia are caused by immune disorders, including:
When the Cause Is UnknownIdiopathic neutropenia refers to a low white blood cell count with no known cause. People with idiopathic chronic neutropenia have low levels of white blood cells for at least three months with no known cause.
Diagnosing NeutropeniaYour healthcare provider can diagnose neutropenia with a blood test. If you have noticed that you are repeatedly getting sick or experiencing chronic skin infections, your provider may recommend checking your white blood cell count.
A complete blood count (CBC) measures the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. To determine if you have neutropenia, your provider will review the test results to determine your absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
A normal range for white blood cells is 4,000-11,000 per microliter (uL) of blood. To find your absolute neutrophil count, your provider would multiply the number of white blood cells by the percentage of neutrophils in your blood.
For example, if your white blood cell count is 8,000/uL and the percentage of neutrophils in the blood is 75%, then your ANC is found by multiplying 8,000 by 0.75, resulting in an ANC of 6,000. A healthy range for the ANC is 2,500-6,000.
People with neutropenia have an ANC lower than 1,000. The risk of serious infection increases significantly when the ANC falls below 500.
TreatmentsThe treatment for neutropenia is to first address the cause. For example, if neutropenia is caused by chemotherapy, it will resolve once the treatment stops.
Treatment options for low white blood cell count include:
Myeloid growth factors: Sometimes referred to as growth factors or colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), these proteins stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Examples include Neupogen (filgrastim), Granix (tbo-filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), Rolvedon (eflapegrastim), and Ryzneuta (efbemalenograstim alfa).
Antibiotics: These medications help prevent infection.
Pausing treatment: If cancer treatments or other medications are causing your neutropenia, your care team may recommend pausing treatment until your ANC increases to a safer level.
In many cases, neutropenia cannot be prevented. If you are experiencing neutropenia, your healthcare team will work with you to lower the risk of infection while your immune system is suppressed.
To prevent infections while you have a low white blood cell count, take the following precautions:
Wash your hands frequently
Brush your teeth twice daily
Avoid people who are sick
Consider avoiding crowds
Wear a mask in public
Focus on food safety with proper washing and cooking
People with neutropenia are at a high risk of infection. Once your level of white blood cells is very low (ANC less than 500), you may experience an infection without the usual symptoms like a fever or swelling. When this occurs, the infection can spread and worsen with no signs.
Possible complications of neutropenia include:
Living With Low White Blood Cell CountThe prognosis for neutropenia depends on the underlying cause. If your neutropenia is caused by cancer treatment, it will likely resolve once treatment stops.
While you live with a low white blood cell count, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself from infection. To lower your risk of coming in contact with pathogens, wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Plan to shower every day and brush your teeth twice daily.
When preparing food, wash your hands well and make sure your cooking surface is clean. Do not eat partially cooked food, and immediately store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines you need, and ask your family members to stay up to date with their vaccines. Try to avoid spending time with people who are sick, and avoid crowds when your ANC is low.
A Quick ReviewA low white blood cell count occurs when the body does not have enough white blood cells to fight infection. White blood cells are part of the immune system and are responsible for attacking invading pathogens. When you have a low white blood cell count (neutropenia), your risk of infection is high.
Common causes of neutropenia include cancer and cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Neutropenia raises the risk of recurrent infections, and symptoms may include fever, chills, diarrhea, and a chronic cough.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose neutropenia with a blood test called a complete blood count. Treatment for neutropenia includes medications and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of infection.
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Why You'd Better Watch A Fever Closely
A fever is your body's signal that something might be wrong. Ignore it and you could pay a steep price.
Fever is a common symptom that can accompany a wide range of illnesses, from the mild common cold to more serious conditions like the flu or infections. While many people consider a fever a nuisance that can be treated with over-the-counter medications and rest, a fever is more than just a high temperature.
Here are the potential underlying causes of a fever, how to manage it effectively and why you shouldn't brush it off as something to be overlooked.
Understanding feverAt the core of the body's defense mechanism, a fever is an elevated body temperature that usually indicates that the immune system is fighting off an infection. Most people recognize that a fever is an indicator of illness, but it's crucial to grasp what the fever is actually doing within the body.
When the immune system detects an invader, such as bacteria or a virus, it triggers the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that regulates body temperature — to raise the body's heat. This rise in temperature is intended to create a less favorable environment for the invading organisms, helping the body combat the illness more effectively.
However, while a fever can be beneficial in fighting off infections, it can also be dangerous if not monitored closely. High fevers, especially those that persist or rapidly increase, can lead to complications such as dehydration, seizures, or even more severe health problems. This is why it's essential to keep a close eye on fever, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Common causes of feverWhile most fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections, there are other potential causes that should not be overlooked. Understanding these causes can help you determine whether a fever is a simple symptom or a sign of something more serious.
Infections: The most common cause of fever is an infection, which can range from mild to severe. Common infections include respiratory infections (like the flu or pneumonia), urinary tract infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
Heat exhaustion: Exposure to high temperatures, particularly in the summer months, can lead to heat exhaustion and result in a fever. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent it from progressing to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Inflammatory conditions: Diseases that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can also trigger a fever. In these cases, the fever is a sign that the body is experiencing widespread inflammation, which may require specialized treatment.
Vaccinations: It's not uncommon for some people, especially children, to develop a mild fever after receiving vaccinations. This is usually short-lived and a normal response to the vaccine as the body builds immunity.
Serious conditions: In rare cases, a persistent or very high fever can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection), cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
Recognizing the cause of a fever can help you take the appropriate steps to manage it and decide when to seek medical attention.
The risks of ignoring a feverIgnoring a fever or failing to monitor it closely can lead to severe health consequences, especially if the fever is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Here are some potential risks associated with not paying close attention to a fever:
Dehydration: Fever causes an increase in body temperature, which can lead to excessive sweating. If fluids are not replenished, dehydration can occur. This is particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly, who may not be able to recognize or communicate their need for fluids.
Febrile seizures: In children, a rapid rise in temperature can lead to these convulsions that occur as a result of fever. While generally not harmful in the long term, they are frightening and require immediate attention.
Complications from underlying conditions: If a fever is a symptom of a more serious condition like pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis, ignoring it can delay critical treatment. This can lead to the condition worsening and, in severe cases, becoming life-threatening.
Heatstroke: If a fever is caused by heat exhaustion, failure to cool the body down can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can result in permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs, or even death.
How to monitor and manage a feverTaking care of someone with a fever involves more than just checking their temperature periodically. It requires a comprehensive approach to ensure that the fever is managed effectively and that any underlying issues are addressed.
Regular temperature checks: Use a reliable thermometer to check the person's temperature regularly. This will help you track whether the fever is staying steady, increasing, or decreasing. Digital thermometers are often the most accurate and easy to use.
Stay hydrated: Ensure that the person with the fever drinks plenty of fluids. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions are ideal. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages.
Rest and comfort: Encourage plenty of rest, as the body needs energy to fight off the infection. Keep the environment comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold, and dress the person in lightweight clothing.
Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce a fever and provide relief from discomfort. However, always follow dosing instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if there are any concerns.
Seek medical advice: If the fever persists for more than a few days, is very high (above 103°F or 39.4°C), or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion), seek medical attention immediately.
Know when to call a doctor: For certain populations, such as infants, elderly individuals, or those with pre-existing health conditions, it's important to seek medical advice early if a fever develops. For example, a fever in an infant under three months old requires immediate medical attention.
This story was created using AI technology.
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