Having a low or elevated white blood cell count can indicate a range of disorders relating to the blood and bone marrow. Example of Low white blood cell count. A low white blood cell count is also sometimes called leukopenia or leukocytopenia.
White blood cell count varies from person to person. The normal range is usually between 4, and 11, white blood cells per microlitre of blood.
Anything below 4, is typically considered to be a low white blood cell count. Low white blood cell count is often caused by problems with the bone marrow where they are made.
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. Doctors call this "immunocompromised. If you get an infection because you have a low white blood cell count, your symptoms may include:.
If you have a low white blood cell count, your doctor can prescribe medicines to help stimulate your immune system after each round of chemotherapy. Your doctor also may decide to stop your chemotherapy treatment for a little while so your body can recover and make more white blood cells.
If you have a low white blood cell count, consider taking the following steps to avoid infection:. Treating a low white blood cell count A blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is low. You may also need specific treatment: to boost your white blood cells if you've got an infection Signs of an infection may include: a high temperature chills and shivering sore throat mouth sores that keep returning toothache skin rashes tiredness flu-like symptoms Occasionally, infections can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:. Do avoid close contact with people who are sick store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly use an electric shaver instead of a razor avoid shared hot tubs.
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