Is low blood count serious?
The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include: Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils, you’re at higher risk of developing an infection. And if you develop an infection when you have a low white blood cell count, your body can’t protect itself.
What happens if WBC count is low?
White blood cells are produced by your bone marrow to help your body fight infection. If you have fewer than normal white blood cells, you have a higher risk of getting an infection. When you have a low white blood cell count, your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.
How is low red and white blood cells treated?
To treat the low blood counts, early treatment involves easing symptoms. Treatments may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, medicines to stimulate bone marrow production, and other therapies. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may cure aplastic anemia.
What is the most common reason for low white blood cell count?
A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.
Is 3.2 WBC too low?
The normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 white blood cells per microlitre of blood. Anything below 4,000 is typically considered to be a low white blood cell count.
How long can you live with low blood count?
Without treatment, the median survival time for myelodysplastic syndromes range from less than a year to approximately 12 years , depending on factors such as number of chromosome abnormalities and level of red blood cells. However, treatment is often successful, especially for certain types of this condition.
How long does it take for white blood cells to increase?
At this point, you are most likely to develop an infection. Your neutrophil count then starts to rise again. This is because your bone marrow restarts normal production of neutrophils. But it may take 3 to 4 weeks to reach a normal level again.
What causes a low red blood count?
Other potential causes of a low red blood cell count include: Anemia. Bone marrow failure. Bleeding. Erythropoietin deficiency due to kidney disease. RBC destruction from blood vessel injuries or transfusions. Malnutrition; nutritional deficiencies of vitamins B6 or B12, folic acid, copper, or iron. Leukemia.
What are the symptoms of low blood counts?
Other symptoms of a low red blood cell count may include dizziness (particularly when standing), shortness of breath, headaches, pale skin, chest pain, and coldness in the hands or feet.
What causes low WBC and low RBC?
There are about as many causes for a low blood count or red blood cells as there are for white blood cells. Common causes include: Dietary iron deficiency. Internal organ blood vessel rupture. Peptic ulcer, which causes bleeding. Liver damage. External or internal hemorrhoids.
What are the side effects of low white blood cells?
The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include: Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils ( neutropenia ), a type of white blood cell that fights infection, you’re at higher risk of developing an infection.