A low white blood cell count usually means your body is not making enough white blood cells. It can increase your risk of getting infections. Common causes include: Agranulocytosis and neutropenia are conditions that cause a low white blood cell count. A blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is low. Your treatment will depend on what's causing your condition and will often include antibiotics. You may also need specific treatment: Occasionally, infections can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
What causes a low white blood cell count?
Treating a low white blood cell count
Signs of an infection may include:
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you know you're at risk of a low white blood cell count and you get an infection
- you keep getting infections
Things you can do yourself to avoid infections
If you have a low white blood cell count caused by illness or medicine you should take steps to avoid infections.
Do
avoid close contact with people who are sick
store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning
wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly
use an electric shaver instead of a razor
avoid shared hot tubs
Don’t
do not share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or make-up
do not eat raw foods, like meat, shellfish and eggs
do not change cat litter or handle animal poo
do not change nappies
do not walk outside barefoot
do not swim in ponds and rivers
Page last reviewed: 11 November 2020
Next review due: 11 November 2023
Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough red and white blood cells, and platelets. Having fewer red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. Hemoglobin is the part of blood that carries oxygen through your body. Having fewer white blood cells makes you more likely to get an infection. And having fewer platelets makes the blood too thin. This means your blood can’t clot the way it should. Aplastic anemia has many causes. Sometimes it occurs for no known reason. Other causes are linked to a previous illness or disorder. Acquired causes may include: History of certain infectious diseases (such as hepatitis, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, CMV, or paravirus B19) History of taking certain medicines, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals Exposure to
radiation History of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus Inherited conditionWhat is aplastic anemia?
What causes
aplastic anemia?
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough red and white blood cells, and platelets. The body's immune system is confused and begin to attack these critical performing cells.
Who is at risk for aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia can occur at any age. But it is more common among teens, young adults, and older adults. Your risk increases if you:
Are exposed to toxins
Take certain medicines
Have a disease such as hepatitis or HIV
What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
Headache
Dizziness
Upset stomach (nausea)
Shortness of breath
Bruising
Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
Abnormal paleness or lack of color in the skin
Blood in stool
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
Fevers
Sore sinuses
Enlarged liver or spleen
White patches in the mouth (oral thrush)
These symptoms may look like other blood disorders or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is aplastic anemia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. You may also have tests such as:
Blood tests. These may include blood chemistries, evaluation of liver and kidney functions, and genetic studies.
Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. This involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core biopsy). These are usually taken from the hip bones. They are checked for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells or abnormal cells.
How is aplastic anemia treated?
Your healthcare provider will create a care plan based on:
Your age, overall health, and medical history
How sick you are
How well you can handle certain medicines, procedures, or therapies
How long the condition is expected to last
Your opinion or preference
Aplastic anemia is a serious illness. Treatment usually depends on the underlying cause. For certain causes, you may recover after treatment. But the condition can come back. To treat the low blood counts, early treatment may include:
Blood transfusion (both red blood cells and platelets)
Preventive antibiotic therapy
Good hygiene to prevent infection
Special care when making food (such as only eating well-cooked foods)
Avoiding construction sites, which may be a source of certain fungi
Medicines to stimulate the bone marrow to produce cells
Treatment to reduce your body’s immune system response
Hormone therapy
In certain people, a bone marrow transplant may cure aplastic anemia.
Living with aplastic anemia
Managing aplastic anemia includes working closely with your healthcare provider and following your treatment plan. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you are having. You are more at risk of infections so you should:
Stay away from people who are sick
Avoid large crowds
Wash your hands often
Avoid foods that are not cooked all the way through
Brush your teeth regularly
Get your annual flu shot
Develop a physical fitness plan with your provider
Key points about aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow doesn't make enough red and white blood cells, and platelets.
This condition can make you feel tired, raise your risk of infections, and make you bruise or bleed more easily.
To treat the low blood counts, early treatment involves easing symptoms.
Treatments may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, medicines to stimulate bone marrow production, and other therapies.
In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may cure aplastic anemia.