What happens if white blood count stays low?
White blood cells are produced by your bone marrow to help your body fight infection. If you have fewer than normal white blood cells, you have a higher risk of getting an infection. When you have a low white blood cell count, your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.
Why are my white blood cells chronically low?
First, it’s important to determine what your health care provider means by “low.” Not all medical laboratories use the same range to decide what’s normal and what’s not. Second, you need to consider factors such as your age, gender and ethnic group.
What problems would a lack of white blood cells cause?
The main risk of an abnormally low white blood cell count is how vulnerable it may make a person to infection. Without an adequate white blood cell response available to fight infection, the body is at greater risk that any infection (including those usually regarded as minor) may cause serious illness or death.
How do I raise my white blood cell count?
Foods high in protein, such as lean meats and poultry, are high in zinc — a mineral that increases the production of white blood cells and T-cells, which fight infection. Other great sources of zinc are oysters, nuts, fortified cereal, and beans.
What are the most common reasons for a low white blood cell count?
Some of the most common causes of low white blood cell count: • Bone Marrow Suppression: White blood cells are generated in the bones and the reduction in the production of the cells can result from any condition affecting the bones. Myelofibrosis is a condition where the bone marrow is replaced by…
What are the side effects of low white blood cell count?
The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include: Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils ( neutropenia ), a type of white blood cell that fights infection, you’re at higher risk of developing an infection. Anemia.
How serious is low white blood cell count?
If an individual has a low white blood cell count, his or her body becomes susceptible to serious illnesses and infections. A low white blood cell count can indicate the presence of one or more serious health problems, such as leukemia, hyperthyroidism, aplastic anemia , or an infectious disease.
What triggers low white blood count cells?
Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow