WBC levels are usually measured during a complete blood count (CBC) test, and the normal range is approximately 4,000 to 11,000 cells/microlitre in an adult. WBC values that are higher or lower than normal can be symptoms of many different health conditions. For example, high WBC levels may be a sign of infections, inflammation, or certain blood diseases, while low WBC levels may reflect immune system problems, bone marrow disorders, or side effects of medications.
WBC is the abbreviation for white blood cells. WBC value refers to the number of white blood cells in a person’s blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system responsible for protecting the body from infections and foreign substances. The WBC value is usually measured during a complete blood count (CBC) test and the cell count is expressed per microlitre.
The normal range for a WBC in an adult is approximately 4,000 to 11,000 white blood cells/microlitre. These values may vary depending on the person’s health status and age. WBC levels can be affected by many different factors, such as the body’s response to infections or inflammatory conditions. Therefore, WBC value is an important laboratory parameter for monitoring a person’s health status, diagnosing and monitoring infections or other medical conditions.
What causes low WBC?
Low WBC (white blood cell) levels can be the result of many different causes and can often indicate immune system problems. Some medications can affect bone marrow production, which can cause low WBC. For example, chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, or some antibiotics can reduce WBC levels. Serious bacterial infections can sometimes lead to decreased WBC levels because during the infection, white blood cells are diverted to the infected area.
Bone marrow is where WBC and other blood cells are produced. Bone marrow problems can affect WBC production. For example, aplastic anemia is a condition in which bone marrow function is severely impaired. Extreme malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies can lead to decreased WBC levels. Autoimmune diseases can cause the immune system to attack its own body cells, which can affect WBC levels. Radiotherapy, the high-energy rays used during cancer treatment, can affect bone marrow cells and lower WBC levels.
What are the symptoms of low WBC?
Low WBC (white blood cell) symptoms are caused by a weakened immune system due to low white blood cell levels. These symptoms may vary from person to person, and common symptoms associated with low WBC levels may include:
- Low WBC levels can make the body vulnerable to infections.
- The person may be prone to frequent recurring infections, especially bacterial infections.
- It may cause the body’s defense mechanisms to consume more energy, which may create a feeling of constant fatigue in the person.
- Oral canker sores or other skin problems may be associated with low WBC levels.
- To fight infections, the body may frequently produce fever. Low WBC levels can lead to frequent infections that lead to fever.
- Low white blood cell levels can cause mouth ulcers to be common.
- Low WBC can sometimes lead to muscle pain and joint complaints.
- Digestive problems such as diarrhea or loss of appetite may be associated with low WBC levels and lead to weight loss.
Low WBC is a symptom of which disease?
Low WBC is known as leukopenia in medicine. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system and help fight infections. A decrease in white blood cell count can increase the risk of infections. Low WBC may be a symptom of the following diseases:
- Infections: Infections such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi can reduce the white blood cell count.
- Cancer: Some types of cancer can affect the bone marrow, reducing white blood cell production.
- Medicines: Some medications can reduce white blood cell production.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can affect the bone marrow, reducing white blood cell production.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Insufficient intake of protein, vitamin B12, and folic acid can reduce white blood cell count.
- Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack the body’s own cells. This condition may also reduce the white blood cell count.
When is low WBC considered dangerous?
Low WBC (white blood cell) can be a serious health problem. When WBC levels fall below the normal range (usually 4,000 cells/microliter or lower), this is considered a more serious problem. Low WBC levels can cause a person’s immune system to weaken and increase the risk of infection. The condition is considered more dangerous if the person experiences frequent infections, fever, severe fatigue, or other significant health problems due to low WBC levels.
The underlying causes of low WBC levels can be dangerous. For example, serious health problems such as bone marrow problems, autoimmune diseases or cancer may be the causes of low WBC. If low WBC levels do not respond to treatment or levels continue to drop, this can be considered dangerous.
How to raise low WBC?
To increase WBC (white blood cell) levels, it is important to first identify and treat the underlying cause. Focusing only on increasing WBC levels without addressing the reason why WBC levels decrease may not provide a solution to the problem. Nutrition plays an important role in treating low WBC. A diet rich in protein, vitamin B12, and folic acid can help support white blood cell production. Treatment recommendations for low WBC:
- In the treatment of low WBC due to infections, antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs are used to treat the infection.
- In the treatment of low WBC due to cancer or autoimmune diseases, drugs such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy are used to treat the underlying disease.
- In the treatment of low WBC due to medications, WBC levels may increase by discontinuing or reducing the dose of medications.
- In the treatment of low WBC due to nutritional deficiencies, WBC levels can be increased by supplementing the missing vitamins and minerals.
What to eat when WBC is low?
In case of low WBC (white blood cell), a balanced and healthy diet is important to support your immune system and make the body more resistant to infections. Some nutritional recommendations that people with low WBC can benefit from:
- Enough Protein: Protein is necessary for the body to produce immune cells and maintain its reparative functions. Include protein sources such as eggs, chicken, fish, red meat, dairy products and legumes in your diet.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help strengthen the immune system. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines, strawberries and green leafy vegetables, may be especially beneficial.
- Foods Containing Potassium: Potassium may support the function of immune cells. Include potassium-rich foods such as bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans and avocados in your diet.
- Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir and fermented foods containing probiotics can strengthen your immune system by improving your intestinal health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish (e.g. salmon, sardines) and flaxseeds. These oils may reduce inflammation and have positive effects on the immune system.
- Drinking Plenty of Water: Good hydration of the body helps the immune system function properly. Be careful to drink enough water.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, sugars and additives. Avoiding these types of foods may help support the immune system.
What is WBC? What is leukemia?
WBC, or leukocyte count, refers to the number of white blood cells in the blood. A healthy adult has 4,000 to 10,000 leukocytes in 1 microliter of blood. A leukocyte count below this value may be a sign of leukemia. However, just looking at the leukocyte count is not enough to diagnose leukemia. In leukemia, the type and shape of white blood cells also changes. Therefore, tests such as complete blood count, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are performed to diagnose leukemia.
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of blood cells in the bone marrow. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells instead of normal white blood cells. Instead of fighting infections, these abnormal white blood cells become vulnerable to infections.