What causes low white blood cell count

Low white blood cell count may be caused by viral infections, drug side effects, malnutrition, immune system diseases, abnormal bone marrow hematopoietic function, and other reasons.

1. Viral infection:

Acute infections such as influenza virus and EB virus can temporarily inhibit bone marrow hematopoietic function, leading to a decrease in neutrophils. This type of situation usually recovers on its own 2-3 weeks after infection control, and a blood routine examination shows an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes. During the infection period of viruses such as rubella and measles, there may be a transient decrease in white blood cell count.

2. Drug side effects:

Chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, and antithyroid drugs such as methimazole may directly damage bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. Long term use of antipyretic and analgesic drugs, as well as antipsychotic drugs, may also affect leukocyte production, and most can gradually recover after discontinuation. Regular monitoring of changes in blood routine indicators is required during medication. 3. Malnutrition: Long term deficiency of trace elements such as vitamin B12, folate, or copper and iron can affect the differentiation and maturation of white blood cells. Vegetarians and patients with digestive tract absorption disorders are prone to nutritional leukopenia. Blood tests often accompany anemia symptoms such as an increase in average red blood cell volume, which can be improved by supplementing with corresponding nutrients.

4. Immune system diseases:

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis may produce anti neutrophil antibodies. These patients usually have typical symptoms such as joint pain and rash in addition to decreased white blood cells, and need to be diagnosed through immunological tests such as anti nuclear antibody spectrum. Immunosuppressant therapy can improve hematopoietic function. 3. Bone marrow hematopoietic abnormalities: Diseases such as aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome can lead to a decrease in whole blood cells. Bone marrow puncture examination shows a significant decrease in hematopoietic cells or pathological hematopoiesis. These patients may have symptoms such as bleeding tendency and recurrent infections, and require specialized treatment in hematology.

It is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life and consume foods rich in hematopoietic materials such as animal liver and dark green vegetables in moderation. Avoiding exposure to benzene based chemicals and radiation, and maintaining a regular sleep routine can help restore immune function. Mild leukopenia without special symptoms can be observed for 1-2 months before re examination. If it continues to be below 3.0 × 10 ⁹/L or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and fatigue, it is necessary to seek medical attention from a hematology department in a timely manner to investigate the cause. It is recommended to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and engage in moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming to enhance physical fitness.