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Causes of Low Leukocytes and Symptoms to Watch Out for

Low leukocytes or leukopenia is a condition of decreasing the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in the blood, which can be caused by several conditions. Symptoms that appear are not too specific, but can be used as a sign to watch out for. Leukocytes are produced by the bone marrow and then flowed throughout the body. Leukocytes have benefits for fighting various causes of infections, such as viruses and bacteria. Low leukocytes are generally caused by several conditions, including viral infections that interfere with the performance of the bone marrow, congenital abnormalities, autoimmune diseases to drugs.

Recognize the Causes

Leukocytes play an important role in regulating the immune system or immune system. In general, adult leukocyte counts are 4000-11000 white blood cells per microliter of blood (mcL). Newborns have 9000-30000 mcL leukocytes and decrease with growth. Someone said to have leukopenia if the number of leukocytes is less than the normal limit. A number of causes of low leukocytes include:
  • Congenital abnormalities that cause decreased bone marrow function.
  • Viral infections that can interfere with the work of the bone marrow, or infections that are severe enough to affect the number of white blood cells, such as tuberculosis and HIV infection.
  • Autoimmune diseases that destroy leukocytes and even the spinal cord, for example lupus.
  • The use of certain drugs, such as antibiotics, can damage leukocytes. In addition, anti-seizure drugs and certain antihypertensive drugs can also be a cause.
  • Sarcoidosis, a condition characterized by the growth of inflammatory cell groups or granulomas, which are spread in various parts of the body.
  • Cancer or other diseases that damage the bone marrow.
  • Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other medical procedures.

Symptoms of Low Leukocytes

Symptoms that are often complained of in people with low leukocytes are fever, chills, headaches, and body aches. Consult your doctor if you experience a number of low leukocyte symptoms. The symptoms above, are not specific symptoms, meaning that they can be experienced also in other conditions. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a series of blood tests, especially examining the number of leukocytes and the count of leukocytes. In addition, there are several other symptoms or complaints related to the condition of low leukocytes which must also be immediately checked by a doctor, such as diarrhea that is continuous or accompanied by blood, severe nausea and vomiting, difficulty eating and drinking, very weak, appearing rashes on the skin, abdominal pain, cough that does not go away, shortness of breath and burning sensation during urination. But sometimes, a low number of leukocytes may not cause symptoms, and the patient is in a healthy condition.

Leukocyte Count Calculation

There are five types of leukocytes, namely neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Low leukocytes are often associated with a decrease in the number of one type of leukocytes, namely neutrophils. Naturally, because neutrophils have the highest levels compared to other types of leukocytes, which is 45-75% of the total number of leukocytes. However, each type of leukocytes plays a specific role for the body, especially in fighting infection. Therefore, leukocyte examination generally involves counting the number of leukocytes and calculating the type of leukocytes, in order to clarify the picture of the infection experienced, and estimate the cause. There is no special preparation for leukocytes. But it must be remembered that there are several types of drugs that can affect the number of leukocytes and examination results. Consult with your doctor about taking the drug. Generally laboratory personnel or medical personnel will draw blood for examination samples from blood vessels in the arm. The procedure will only take a few minutes. It's likely to feel a little uncomfortable or sick, when blood is taking place. To determine the cause of low white blood cells, the doctor will conclude based on symptoms, medical history and treatment that is being done. In addition, other supporting examinations can also be required. There are various causes of low leukocyte conditions, ranging from mild to more severe. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that may arise in low leukocyte conditions in order to get the right treatment.

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