What does it mean if you have a low white blood cell count?

Answer 1

White blood cells help fight infection in your body. A mild decrease in white blood cells doesn't indicate a serious illness. But a dangerously low white blood cell count increases the risk of serious infection. Potential causes of a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) include:

Infections, such as viral infections and HIV
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
Certain medications, especially those used in chemotherapy and some antibiotics
Radiation therapy
Bone marrow disease, such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes
Sometimes the cause of a low white blood cell count can't be determined (idiopathic).
Here is the website I found this information for you. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-white-blood-cell-count/AN00726

I would look at all options and speak to your doctor because he is the only one who can really be sure of your situation.

Answer 2

A normal White Blood cell count is between 5,000 to 10,000. If you have a low WBC, it could be a couple of things. Either you have an infection or disease that the cells tried to fight off but couldnt and now the infection or disease is taking over your immune system, or you could just be going through a period of low immunity. Get another WBC in a few weeks and I am sure it will be back to normal. That is if you dont have anything wrong with you..

Answer 3

"low" is not specific enough definition to properly answer. Some people normally have a lower WBC than others. Mine is normally 4 and I am healthy. It depends on the differential and what you are missing. An absolute low lymphocyte count could indicate a problem with T-lymphs and a sign of HIV infection. A very low WBC of 2 or less can indicate immunosuppression. This is a natural consequence of chemotherapy. It is a concern when it is 1 or less. The person may be susceptible to infections like pneumonia.

Answer 4

White blood cells help fight infection in your body. A mild decrease in white blood cells doesn't indicate a serious illness. But a dangerously low white blood cell count increases the risk of serious infection. Potential causes of a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) include:

Infections, such as viral infections and HIV
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
Certain medications, especially those used in chemotherapy and some antibiotics
Radiation therapy
Bone marrow disease, such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes
Sometimes the cause of a low white blood cell count can't be determined (idiopathic).

Answer 5

Your white cell count being low doesnt' mean you have an infection. If your white cell count was HIGH, that means your body is fighting off an infection. If you are really concerned, talk to your doctor.

Answer 6

It means your immune system doesn't work as well as it should. I have a auto immune disorder called SLE Lupus. And my count is always really low unless i get sick when I'm sick it shoots up so high its crazy. It could just be your immune system is weak, or it could be many things. For me it just means I get sick easier and take longer to heal and fight off infection!! Good luck

Answer 7

it means that you don't have the number of white blood cells in your system that you should. and also means it will be easier to get sick while its low b/c that's what fights of viruses

Answer 8

Or, it means that your body is in the process of fighting off some disease, virus or illness and quite often the Dr, has to find out what it is

Answer 9

ur leucocyts count is less. u may be prone to infections rather easily.in d lukemia cancer also there is initial low level of wbc

Answer 10

your immune system is down