When someone's white blood cell count is low, his immune system isn't as strong as usual and he's at increased risk of infection, a condition known as neutropenia. The lower his white blood cell count is -- and the longer it stays low -- the higher the risk that he'll get sick or contract some type of infection. (Normal white blood cell counts range from 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per cubic millimeter of blood. For more information, see understanding low white blood cell counts.
What signs should I watch for that indicate someone's white blood cell count is in the danger zone?
- Fever is often the first sign of infection, so keep an eye on his temperature. Call his doctor if his temperature climbs above 100 degrees.
- Other common -- and sometimes overlooked -- areas of potential infection are the bladder and gastrointestinal system, so watch for stomach cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and urination problems.
- Beware of cuts and scratches, and always apply antibiotic ointment and keep them covered, no matter how small and harmless they seem.
- Make note of sore gums, mouth sores, or canker sores, since these are common sites of infection. Remember, his resistance isn't what it would normally be, so his body can't fight off even normally harmless bacteria.
- A cough, sore throat, sneezing, or headache can indicate a sinus or lung infection, so call the doctor if any of these symptoms develop. If he develops a fever or infection while suffering from neutropenia, he may need to go into the hospital for intravenous antibiotics until his body builds up enough white blood cells to fight off the infection.
Hello eli_2231, Thank you very much for your question. Unfortunately, we are unable to diagnose medical problems for our site members, or provide medical guidance online. While members of our community may respond to your question, we recommend that you contact a doctor offline regarding this medical issue. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
My aunt went into the hospital due to a constant fever and nausea. While there they told her that her white blood cells where in critical conditions. They can't figure out what is causing this problem. Now she is back in ICU & on a ventilator. Is there anything they could be over looking? Need help before its to late.
I have a friend with low white cell count and persistent diarrhea. My husband died mysteriously nine years ago with no symptoms except low blood count, he had a heart attack. his death was never explicable to hospital or his doctors even after autopsy. My friend has asked me for advice and I don't know what to tell her but I am worried about her. Any advice
Hello low white blood cell, Thank you very much for your question. Here is an Ask & Answer page that may help to answer your questions: ( http://www.caring.com/questions/food-to-build-up-low-blood-count ). I hope that helps! Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
What kind of food I should eat to make white blood count and red blood count higher?
my husband has a low wbc he is doing chemo, only 1 treatment so far and they have already had to push back his next dose, i feel like we should of got more info befor hand so we new what to look for if this happiened.
Very Good Information. Thank You.
My white blood count is 0.50, I have no fever,no infection, feel pretty good. No cancer or Chemo. I am a white male, 63 years of age and my doctor does not seem concerned. How much danger am I in. I'm running a BP of 140/105 and pulse between 44-65. I take BP medication, am a sleep apnea patient, and Retired. I was taking TOPAMAX for Neuropathy, but have quit taking the drug , to see if that is the cause. Should I go to the Hospital.
is helpful because i am suffering from white blood cell count and doctor is stll investigating what happen to me
my husband has lung cancer and receiving chemo, Can he get a flu shot?
I would like to get a list of foods that primarily build white blood cell counts , none of the websites I've seen so far lead to this information and all lead cancer treatment , what about people who just have a low count in general how do we rebuild that count , thank you
My husband's WBC is 'dangerously low'. He does not have cancer nor has he had any chemo or radiation. He has been referred to an speciality MD, but he can't get in for a month. Should I been concerned? Anything I can do? Why is this happening?
my WBC is always low everytime my CBC is checked in my annual exam. I'm just wondering why this happens and i'm not receiving chemotherapy.Can you please give me an answer? can I take any supplement to increase my count and I don't want to take any drugs if i can avoid it.Thank you!
This article on treating low white blood count never even mentioned treatment. The preceding article called chemotherapy a type of selective smart bomb which is a lie probably meant to encourage chemo by implying it harmed nothing but cancer cells -- you shoud be ashamed.
I have a lwc from radio active iodine therapy. will i get worse or does it usually come back up normally. you can email back if you have this info. thx
My daughters wbc is 1.1 for the past 9 months the bone marrow biospy came back saying white cells are being produced but are being destroyed as soon as they are made,any suggestions.Doc has no answers for us only more test
The infectious disease doctor said that if his white blood cell count doesn't come up on its own, they would do some procedure having to do with bone marrow. He is 77 and does not have cancer or chemo. Think he might have a strong virus. I was not there when the doctor visited his hospital room and he doesn't "tune into" medical talk! Help me, his wife!