Low leukocytes or leukopenia is a condition when the number of white blood cells in the body has decreased to below normal. Although the symptoms of leukopenia are not specific, you still have to be aware and recognize its appearance so that it doesn't lead to a more serious condition.
Leukocytes or white blood cells are an important part of the immune system that plays a role in protecting the body from various infections. Leukocytes are produced by the bone marrow which are then transported throughout the body. When a person has a shortage of white blood cells, his body will be susceptible to infection.
Recognizing the Causes of Low Leukocytes
A person is said to have leukopenia if the number of leukocytes is less than the normal limit. The normal white blood cell count in adults is 4,000-11,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. Whereas in infants, the number is 9000-30000 cells per microliter of blood.
Low leukocytes are generally caused by viral infections that interfere with the functioning of the bone marrow and affect the white blood cell count, such as HIV and hepatitis. In addition, this condition can also be caused by:
- Congenital disorders that cause decreased bone marrow function.
- Autoimmune diseases that destroy leukocytes or even the spinal cord, such as lupus.
- Sarcodiosis, which is a condition characterized by the appearance of a buildup of inflammatory cells or granulomas scattered in various parts of the body.
- Cancer or other diseases that damage the bone marrow.
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Symptoms of Low Leukocytes
Symptoms of leukopenia can indeed not be identified specifically. however, usually people who have low leukocytes often experience fever, chills or aches, and headaches.
In addition, there are several other symptoms that you should be aware of and need to immediately consult a doctor, namely:
- Diarrhea that is persistent or accompanied by blood.
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Decreased appetite and feeling very weak.
- Rash on the skin.
- Cough that doesn't go away.
- Abdominal pain and shortness of breath.
- Pain when urinating.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a series of blood tests, especially the examination of the leukocyte count and the type of leukocyte count.
Leukocyte Count Examination
There are 5 types of leukocytes, namely neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Each type of leukocyte plays a specific role for the body, especially in fighting infection. Therefore, the examination to diagnose leukopenia generally involves counting the number of leukocytes and counting the type of leukocytes
There is no special preparation that the patient must do before undergoing a leukocyte examination. However, you need to tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, such as epinephrine, allopurinol, aspirin, heparin, corticosteroids, quinine, or triamterene, because some types of drugs can affect the leukocyte count and test results.
Laboratory personnel or medical personnel will take blood from a vein in your arm as a test sample. This process only lasts for a few minutes and is a little painful.
If the results of the examination show you have leukopenia, the doctor will find out the cause based on the symptoms that appear, your medical history, and the medications you are currently taking.
After knowing the cause, then the doctor can provide appropriate treatment. If necessary, the doctor will recommend you to do a leukocyte check periodically.
Low leukocytes is a condition that needs to be watched out for. Therefore, if you experience symptoms related to low leukocytes, immediately consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.