Causes of low White Blood Cell count- A condition one should avoid

The WBC's as they are commonly known are also called as Leukocytes or white cells or white corpuscle. Essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, they are found in the blood stream of our body. Some white blood cells act as scavengers by engulfing foreign particles and destroying them. Others produce antibodies or destroy dead cells. Normally produced in the bone marrow, these cells are also known as the antibodies.

Count of WBC's

There are several types of white blood cells (WBC's) that normally appear in the blood: neutrophils (polymorph nuclear leukocytes; PMNs), band cells (slightly immature neutrophils), T-type lymphocytes (T cells), B-type lymphocytes (B cells), monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Any infection or sudden stress will result in an increased production of WBC's. This usually means increased numbers of cells and an increase in the percentage of immature cells (mainly band cells) in the blood. This change is called a "shift to the left."

Causes of low WBC count

Presence of less number of white blood cells in the body is called leucopenia. Many diseases and disorders can be caused as result of the low WBC count. Some of the reasons for having a less blood count are given below.

1) There could be a bone marrow failure. The bone marrow failure can be caused due to infection, tumor, fibrosis or any such disease or disorder.

2) There could be a low blood count because of presence of cytotoxic substance.

3) Collagen-vascular diseases.

4) Disease of the liver or spleen.

5) Radiation and chemotherapy also affects the production of the white blood cells in the bone marrow.

Effects of having a low WBC count

There are various ill effects occurring due to the less production of the white blood cells as they are responsible for strengthening the immune system of the body. Excessive bleeding, fainting or feeling light headed, hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin), multiple punctures to locate veins are some of the ill effects caused due to low production of the white blood cells. Other diseases or disorders such as infectitious and inflammatory diseases, leukemia, several emotional or physical stress, tissue damage (for example burns) and anemia could occur.

So in order to keep the count in good check, have a good and healthy diet that will stimulate the production of the white blood cells.

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