Decreased (low) Leukocytes In The Blood

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Decreased (low) leukocytes in the blood

Leukocytes are colorless cells, microscopic in size from six to twenty microns. They are round or irregular in shape, contain a nucleus, independently and very actively move in human blood. There are always fewer of them than erythrocytes (red blood cells), they protect the human body from foreign particles, fight viruses and bacteria, and purify the blood from dying cells.

There are several types of leukocytes. Their number is easy to calculate according to the leukocyte formula. A decrease in the number of leukocytes is associated with viral and bacterial infections. This phenomenon can be a consequence of the transferred flu, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, sepsis, measles, chickenpox, malaria, rubella, mumps and AIDS.

Among the reasons for the decrease in leukocytes are rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, radiation, taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The number of leukocytes decreases in some forms of leukemia, diseases involving the bone marrow, as a result of anaphylactic shock, exhaustion and anemia. A significant decrease in the number of leukocytes is called leukopenia, this disease is caused by viruses, chronic infections, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic active hepatitis, tuberculosis, radiation damage and many other diseases.

1 liter of adult blood contains 4-9x10 ⁹ leukocytes, in newborn children their quantitative indicator is 3-4 times higher. Determination of the content of leukocytes is carried out during blood sampling. A general analysis is taken from the finger, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The norm of leukocytes in the blood of a healthy person is 4.0-8.8x10 ⁹ / l, less than 4.0x10 ⁹ / l indicate a low level of leukocytes. The number of leukocytes in the blood also decreases with the depletion of the body's defenses and disorders of the immune system.

A decrease in the number of white cells is observed as a result of disruption of the body's endocrine system, when there is a decrease in the production of hormones involved in the formation of leukocytes, this can be caused, for example, by hypothyroidism. Symptoms of leukopenia are expressed by a gradual weakening of the body, the body ceases to resist the harmful effects of microbes and infections, against this background, numerous infectious diseases can develop.

The rapid development of infectious diseases is accompanied by a rapid pulse, chills, dizziness, fever, headaches, increased anxiety, and a feeling of tension. The clinical picture can be replenished with a mild shock, which occurs rarely, but is still noted in some cases. With leukopenia, the internal organs are involved in the pathological process, the spleen is almost always enlarged, the glands swell and the tonsils enlarge and their functions are disrupted.

What complications can there be?

There are two forms of leukopenia: absolute and relative. Each of the forms can have serious consequences for the body, therefore, this problem must be approached with all responsibility, using enhanced long-term treatment. It is important that treatment measures are started in a timely manner. Numerous complications of this condition are known that are life-threatening.

The most common complication is the weakening of the defenses of the human body, the inability to resist viruses and infections. It will take measures to strengthen the immune system, it is considered effective to take special immunomodulatory dietary supplements. Prolonged leukopenia is the risk of contracting cancer or AIDS.

Leukopenia can cause a sharp drop in the number of granulocytes in the blood (agranulocytosis) and damage to the bone marrow (aleukia). It is possible to increase the level of leukocytes in the blood not only with drugs such as methyluracil, leucogen, lenograstim, leukomax, neupogen, filgrastim, but also with the help of a diet that restricts the use of carbohydrates and allows the introduction of protein foods rich in proteins, ascorbic and folic acids into the diet.

Foods high in choline and the amino acid lysine are also beneficial. It is recommended to eat buckwheat, oats, raw vegetables, herbs, vegetables, fruits and red berries. Pomegranate, beet juice, nuts, chicken eggs, seafood, red caviar and, in moderation, red dry wines and drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day contribute to an increase in leukocytes in the blood.

In case of leukopenia, it is necessary to monitor the body temperature; if the range rises to 38 ° C, consult a doctor. Avoid visiting crowded places during an epidemic of viral diseases, do not neglect the rules of hygiene, keep the oral cavity clean, visit the dentist.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".