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As part of your immune system, white blood cells fight disease and are important for the body's defense against infections. A chronically low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can make you vulnerable to bacterial infections and could signal a serious health problem. Before you start investigating the cause of a low white blood cell count ...
ANSWER: A low white blood cell count almost always is related to a decrease in a type of infection-fighting white blood cell called neutrophils. When you have a low level of neutrophils, the condition is known as neutropenia. There are many causes of neutropenia, and some medications can lead to this problem.
Eosinophils are disease-fighting white blood cells. Basophils play a role in wound healing, infection and allergic reactions. One of the most common causes of a low white blood cell count is a viral infection. These infections can sometimes temporarily disrupt the bone marrow’s production of blood cells, so blood cell counts drop.
White blood cells help fight infection, red blood cells help carry oxygen to parts of the body, and platelets help keep you from bleeding too much. When a blood vessel is injured, like after a cut, platelets are activated and stick together to plug the hole and stop the bleeding. A normal platelet count typically ranges from 150–450 cells per ...
"For example, if you're anemic, you won't have as many red blood cells. Or if you have an infection, you'll have an increase in your inflammatory cells, the white blood cells in your blood," says Dr. Fiona Craig, a Mayo Clinic pathologist. Blood testing can also be very complex.
If left unchecked, this treatable condition may contribute to serious health problems like osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production. During National Men's Health Week — June 10–16 — Dr. Gregory Broderick, a Mayo Clinic urologist, encourages men with symptoms of low testosterone to speak with their healthcare team.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (chronic prostatitis) symptoms are a lot like chronic bacterial prostatitis, but without the fever. In addition, tests show no sign of bacteria in the urine or in fluid from the prostate gland. In some cases, white blood cells found in a urine sample may signal the presence of inflammation.
— About 8 to 10 million Americans over age 40 have an overabundance of cloned white blood cells, or lymphocytes, that hamper their immune systems. Although many who have this condition — called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) — do not experience any symptoms, a new study shows they may have an elevated risk for several health ...
Patients with polycythemia vera have a high red blood cell count. But sometimes the disease also can result in too many white blood cells, or too many platelets — the component of blood that aids in clotting. A considerable amount of research is underway to investigate this blood disorder and treatments for it.
As vitamin B-12 deficiency becomes more advanced, a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) or even white blood cells and platelets may develop. Deficiency often is caught before it reaches this level. Diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency typically involves blood tests.