Do you always feel tired and unwell? Do you sometimes feel like you're getting sick from even the smallest things? One reason for this is a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body. Today, let's talk about what this decrease in white blood cells means, that is, a condition called `(Leukopenia)`. Don't worry, knowing this properly can solve many problems.
What are white blood cells? Why are they important to us?
Simply put, we have little soldiers in our bodies. They are called white blood cells . Doctors also call them ``Leukocytes''. The main job of these soldiers is to fight off microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that enter our bodies and protect us from diseases. Just imagine, about 100 billion of these white blood cells are produced inside our bodies every day! That's how essential they are to our health.
Now, in this condition called `(Leukopenia)`, the number of these white blood cells in your body decreases below normal levels. In particular, among these white blood cells , the type called `(Neutrophils)` decreases the most. `(Neutrophils)` is like the first line of defense in our immune system. It's like a special force that is activated first in an emergency. So, when you don't have enough white blood cells including `(Neutrophils)`, you have a much higher risk of developing diseases, that is, infections.
Generally, a white blood cell count of less than 4,000 cells per microliter (`microliter`) of blood is considered low. However, this number can vary slightly depending on age and gender. For example, men and children have between 5,000 and 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. For women, it can be between 4,500 and 11,000.
Is ``Leukopenia'' a cancer?
No, `(Leukopenia)` is not cancer. However, there is a link between `(Leukopenia)` and cancer. Some treatments for cancer (for example `(Chemotherapy)`) can cause a decrease in white blood cells. That is why some cancer patients often get infections.
Does Leukopenia cause leukemia?
No, `(Leukopenia)` does not cause leukemia. However, `(Leukopenia)` can be caused by a blood cancer condition called `(Leukemia). In leukemia, our bone marrow (where blood cells are made) produces abnormal, mutated blood cells. These abnormal cells divide and multiply rapidly, crowding out even healthy cells, that is, healthy white blood cells. That is when the number of white blood cells in the body decreases and `(Leukopenia)` occurs.
Who is most affected by this condition (Leukopenia)?
In fact, the number of white blood cells in our body is constantly increasing and decreasing. It is normal. ``Leukopenia`` means that the number of white blood cells has decreased and does not return to normal levels but remains low. This condition is common in people with certain chronic diseases and those undergoing cancer treatment.
What are the causes of `(Leukopenia)`?
There can be several causes for `(Leukopenia)`. The main ones are:
- Some medical conditions:
- Bone marrow disorders: For example , diseases like Multiple Myeloma and Aplastic Anemia prevent the bone marrow from producing blood cells properly.
- Autoimmune diseases: This is when our own immune system attacks our own body cells. Examples of these diseases include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Infections: Some severe infections, for example, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can also cause a decrease in white blood cells.
- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics, can also cause a decrease in white blood cells as a side effect.
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies: Not getting enough of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate, can interfere with the production of white blood cells.
How do you know if you have `(Leukopenia)`? What are the symptoms?
The important thing here is that there are no specific symptoms of `(Leukopenia)`. That is, you will not directly feel that your white blood cells are low. But, what happens when your white blood cells are low? Yes, the risk of developing infections increases a lot. So, if you are experiencing the following symptoms of infections frequently, it could be a sign of `(Leukopenia)`:
- Frequent fever and chills.
- Swelling and redness in places on the body.
- Mouth sores.
- White or red spots inside the mouth.
- Sore throat.
- Severe cough or shortness of breath.
- Pain during urination or a bad smell in the urine.
- Diarrhea.
- If there are wounds on the body, they will ooze pus.
- For women, unusual vaginal discharge or itching.
Imagine, Nimali often gets fever, gets better in a few days, then gets it again. When she goes to the doctor, she sees a blood test and finds out that her white blood cells have decreased significantly. She is constantly getting infections because of ``Leukopenia``.
How do doctors diagnose the condition `(Leukopenia)`?
Doctors diagnose leukopenia mainly by performing a complete blood count (CBC). This can accurately measure the levels of different types of cells in your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
If your doctor thinks you have signs of an infection, he or she may do some more tests:
- Urine tests: These help determine the cause of the infection.
- Chest X-ray: This helps to see if you have a condition like pneumonia.
What are the treatments for `(Leukopenia)`?
Leukopenia is treated according to the underlying cause. Simply put, when the cause is treated, the condition of Leukopenia often improves.
- If it's due to an infection: Your doctor may give you antibiotics (for bacterial infections) or antiviral drugs (for viral infections).
- If it's due to a medication: Sometimes, if a medication you're taking is causing your white blood cells to drop, your doctor may decide to change the medication or reduce the dosage.
- Growth factors: These are a special type of medicine. They stimulate the bone marrow to make more blood cells. So, these medicines can be used to increase the production of white blood cells.
- Delaying chemotherapy: If you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and your white blood cell count is very low, your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the treatment and restarting it once your cell count returns to normal.
What can we do to protect ourselves from Leukopenia?
Sometimes, it is not possible to completely prevent the occurrence of ``Leukopenia'', especially if it is the result of another medical condition. However, you can reduce your risk by taking care of your overall health and protecting yourself from infections as much as possible. Here are some things you can do:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
- Get all vaccines on time, especially the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Stay away from people who are sick and from crowded places. In such places, there is a greater chance of close contact with sick people.
- Avoid getting scratches, cuts, or wounds on your body as much as possible. (This includes things like tattoos and body piercings.) If your skin is damaged, treat it immediately.
- Prevent germs from entering food and drink:
- Wash vegetables and fruits well before eating.
- Keep raw meats away from other foods.
- Prepare food in a clean kitchen.
- Check to see if the food is cooked properly and thoroughly.
- Do not share your used plates, cups, cutlery, food, or drinks with others.
- Do not share items like towels, razors, and toothbrushes with others.
- Wear gloves when working in the garden or when gardening.
- Avoid picking up pet waste and changing newborn diapers as much as possible. If you must do so, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after you're done.
- Avoid swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, and hot tubs.
- If your doctor has prescribed medications to prevent infections, use them exactly as prescribed.
For example, Kamala's white blood cells are a little low because she is undergoing cancer treatment. So she wears a ``(Mask)'' when she goes out, doesn't go to crowded places, and even talks to guests at home at a distance. With small things like these, she tries to protect herself from infections.
If I have `(Leukopenia)`, what should I expect?
If you have `(Leukopenia),` your prognosis depends on what caused it. For example, if you have `(Leukopenia)` due to a viral infection, your white blood cell count should return to normal after the infection is cured. However, if you have low white blood cells due to cancer treatment, your prognosis depends on the stage of your cancer and the success of the treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
Leukopenia puts you at higher risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you know you have Leukopenia and you think you have symptoms of an infection (such as fever, body aches, sore throat), you should see a doctor immediately. Also, if you are frequently sick and take a long time to recover, it is very important to inform your doctor about that as well.
Remember as a summary (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so today we talked a lot about ``Leukopenia`` or low white blood cells. Remember, this is not a single disease, but a condition that can be caused by a variety of reasons.
The most important thing is to do your best to protect yourself from infections if you have ``Leukopenia''. You can live successfully with this condition by following medical advice, staying clean, and eating a balanced diet.
There are many reasons why your white blood cell count could be low. It could be a life-saving treatment for cancer. Or it could be an autoimmune disease like lupus. Whatever the cause, if you have leukopenia, talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from infections. Don't panic, awareness is the best defense!
` Leukopenia, white blood cells, neutrophils, immunity, infections, symptoms, cancer treatment
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