A low white blood cell count, also known as leukopenia, can be a serious symptom of a number of medical conditions and a side effect of certain treatments. White blood cells are one of the body’s primary defense mechanisms, fighting off foreign invaders like germs and infections. Treatment for leukopenia is important because with a weakened immune system, a person becomes much more vulnerable to even relatively minor infections.
Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to a low white blood cell count and in such cases, self care is as important as anything. To prevent and treat leukopenia, eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Getting enough sleep is also important as the body’s other source of energy. In cases when anorexia is at the heart of malnutrition and leukopenia, more involved treatment is required, including a combination of therapy, dietary modifications, and sometimes antidepressants. Eating and sleeping well will not necessarily improve a white cell count, but it will help to keep the body healthy and reduce the risk of developing infections and other complications.
In treating leukopenia, limiting exposure to any germs and contagions becomes increasingly important. Wash your hands frequently and after touching any dirty or germy surfaces like computer keyboards, kitchen sponges, bathroom surfaces, and door knobs, as well as any surface in a public place. Avoid anyone who is sick and avoid close contact altogether until your white blood cell count normalizes. According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor may even recommend wearing a sanitary mask as an extra precaution.
Quite often, leukopenia is caused by something far more serious than malnutrition. A low white blood cell count is not typically something that is randomly found. It is generally detected in people already undergoing medical treatment or during testing for an associated condition like leukemia, AIDS, and lupus. The Mayo Clinic reports that leukopenia can often arise during cancer treatment, particularly during chemotherapy. When this occurs, a doctor may treat a low blood cell count by delaying existing treatments when infections arise. Chemotherapy may also be scaled back to prevent leukopenia from developing during treatment.
According to the University of Pennsylvania Health System, a number of medications can also cause a low white blood cell count. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, barbiturates, and other drugs may cause leukopenia. Depending on the extent of the drop, a doctor may recommend discontinuing or reducing use of or switching to another medication entirely.
Treatments for leukopenia include a few medications that can stimulate white blood cell production. According to the National Institutes of Health, injections of drugs like filgrastim and pegfilgrastim may be used stimulate the growth of additional white blood cells. Drugs to treat leukopenia may be administered during or between chemotherapy administrations.
Leukopenia, a serious complication of a number of conditions, can make the body very vulnerable in its ability to prevent and respond to infections. Treatments for leukopenia are focused on reducing the risk of infection and increasing the white cell count. If you have any questions about leukopenia, normal and low white blood cell counts, or the condition’s treatments, consult your doctor.
References:
Filgrastim Injection. National Institutes of Health.
Low blood cell counts: Side effect of cancer treatment. Mayo Clinic.
Low white blood cell count. Mayo Clinic.
Pegfilgrastim Injection. National Institutes of Health.
WBC count. University of Pennsylvania Health System.
