What Causes WBC to Drop?

March 19, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

White Blood Cell

A decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count, known as leukopenia, can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions that affect the bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced, can lead to decreased WBC production. Examples include aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and leukemia.
  • Infections: Certain viral infections, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, and dengue fever, can suppress the bone marrow and reduce WBC production. Additionally, some bacterial or parasitic infections can lead to leukopenia, particularly if they overwhelm the immune system.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune neutropenia, can cause the immune system to attack and destroy white blood cells, leading to leukopenia.
  • Medications: Some medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, can suppress bone marrow function and reduce WBC production. Other medications, such as certain antibiotics, antivirals, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants, may also cause leukopenia as a side effect.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy, commonly used in cancer treatment, can damage the bone marrow and lead to decreased WBC production, resulting in leukopenia.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamins (especially vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C) and minerals (such as iron and copper), can impair WBC production and lead to leukopenia.
  • Hematologic Disorders: Certain hematologic disorders, such as myelofibrosis, hairy cell leukemia, and lymphoma, can disrupt normal bone marrow function and lead to leukopenia.
  • Hypersplenism: An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can sequester and destroy white blood cells, leading to a decrease in circulating WBC count.
  • Chronic Diseases: Chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and certain connective tissue disorders, can affect WBC production and lead to leukopenia.
  • Severe Inflammatory Reactions: Intense inflammatory responses, such as those seen in severe sepsis or systemic inflammatory conditions, can lead to transient leukopenia due to the redistribution of white blood cells from the bloodstream to tissues.

If a person experiences symptoms suggestive of leukopenia, such as recurrent infections, unexplained fever, fatigue, or easy bruising, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. Treatment for leukopenia depends on the underlying cause and may include addressing any nutritional deficiencies, discontinuing offending medications, treating infections, or managing underlying medical conditions.

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