Low white blood cell count

Common causes of a low white blood cell count include: cancer treatment, like radiotherapy and chemotherapy antipsychotic medicines medicine for an overactive thyroid some cancers, like leukaemia infections such as HIV or hepatitis autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis Agranulocytosis and neutropenia are conditions that cause a low white blood cell count.

A low white blood cell count does not always cause any symptoms. The main symptom is getting frequent infections. Signs of an infection may include: a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery sore throat mouth sores that keep coming back toothache skin rashes tiredness flu-like symptoms A blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is low.

Treatment for a low white blood cell count depends on what's causing it. Treatment often includes antibiotics . If it's caused by a medicine or other treatment you're having, you may need to stop the treatment or change your dose. You may also need specific treatment: to boost your white blood cells if you've got an infection Occasionally, infections can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis .

If you have a low white blood cell count caused by illness, cancer treatment or medicine, it's important to take steps to avoid infections. Do avoid close contact with people who are sick store and prepare food properly to avoid food poisoning wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly use an electric shaver instead of a razor avoid shared hot tubs Don’t do not share food, cups, utensils, toothbrushes or make-up do not eat raw foods like meat, shellfish and eggs do not change cat litter or handle animal poo do not change nappies do not walk outside barefoot do not swim in ponds, lakes and rivers