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

Answer 1

There are a lot of reasons for a low white cell count. A few of the most common, are stress, low b12, lack of exercise, autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia, lupus, and HIV/AIDS. You can get tests done for viral, grandular fever, a low white count isn't always the best news, but it could be something really easily controllable, or it could be nothing at all, just stress, or even having a history of low blood counts.

Answer 2

This is referred to as Leukopenia and may be from a variety of causes. You should see your Doctor. It does not mean you have AIDS. In Leukemia the opposite occurs (WBC's are very high). There are several types of White Blood Cells. Neutrophils are the most common in the blood so you probably have Neutropenia - Low Neutrophils. This may predispose to infection. Lymphocytes are also WBC's and if they are low it is Lymphocytopenia. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and anything that insults the bone marrow such as chemotherapy etc. can cause a decrease in all cell lines: Pancytopenia; or in any particular lineage. Low Red Blood Cell count is called anemia. again - go see your Doc. Below are three good references for you perusal.

Answer 3

The white blood cell count and differential determine the number of white blood cells and the percentage of each type of white blood cell in a person's blood. These tests are included in general health examinations and help investigate a variety of illnesses, including infection, allergy, and leukemia.
The white blood cell count provides a clue to the presence of illness. White cells protect the body by fighting infection and attacking foreign material. When extra white cells are needed, the bone marrow increases production.
There are five types of white cells, each with different functions: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The differential reveals if these cells are present in a normal distribution, or if one cell type is increased or decreased. This information helps diagnose specific types of illness.
Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS or chemotherapy, cause a decrease in white cells. The white cell count detects dangerously low numbers of white cells.
Recovery from illness can be monitored by the white cell count. Counts continuing to rise or fall to abnormal levels indicate a worsening condition; counts returning to normal indicate improvement.
*Neutrophils increase in response to bacterial infection.
They destroy bacteria by enveloping and digesting them, a process called phagocytosis.
*Lymphocytes fight viral infections and some bacterial infections.
Large lymphocytes, called atypical lymphocytes, are seen during infectious mononucleosis and other illnesses.
*Monocytes increase during severe infections, and other conditions.They remove debris and microorganisms by phagocytosis.
*Eosinophils and basophils increase in response to allergic reactions and parasitic infection.

Answer 4

well it means you have too few white blood cells in your blood. this wont necessarily mean you have AIDS, but it would mean that you would be vulnerable to diseases because white blood cells are the ones in our body that get rid of foreign objects (like bacteria and viruses) in our blood. i think this comes with leukemia.. im not sure about that :D.. god bless!

Answer 5

Certain cancers, radiation exposure, HIV, chemotherapy, any one of those can cause low white blood cell counts.

Answer 6

ive done extensive research on AIDS and HIV....and low white blood cell counts are a great indicator that someone has AIDS....i hope you dont

Answer 7

there are many causes not trying to scare you but cancer is one lymph node diseases less common but possible circulatory disorders major or minor it should be followed up with your doctor he will need to repeat blood test someone with very low wbc won't be able to fight off any infection even minor

Answer 8

It means your immunity to diseases is low. Any virus will do this.

Answer 9

It's just a sing that you may have an infection.Nothing serous,but a blood test can tell and recommend an antibiotic,JOHNNY

Answer 10

leukemia. cancer cells that could spread throughout your system.if you have somekind of black spots on your body, body weakness, fever, hair loss, pls. consult a doctor.