White blood cells are white blood cells whose main function is protective. They help the body to fight alien particles due to its mobility and the ability to penetrate directly to the place of their location.
In the blood of a healthy person, the number of these cells is usually somewhere 1000 times less than that of erythrocytes, their concentration is about 4-9 · 10 × / l. A slightly increased number of white blood cells relative to the norm is considered quite acceptable, while their decline signals some kind of malfunction or illness. This is the second case and will be discussed further.
The main reasons for the decline of leukocytes in the blood, what is the danger
So leukocytes in the blood are lowered - what does this mean?
This condition itself does not manifest in any way, however, it can lead to some diseases. There may be several reasons for the decrease in the number of white blood cells:
- deficiency of substances necessary for the structure of new cells: as a rule, with this problem, the number of leukocytes is at the lower limit of the norm, and the indicators of red blood cells change, which are synthesized with the participation of the same substances, namely: B vitamins, especially B1 and B12 , folic acid, iron and copper; upon detection of this cause, a special diet is appointed, normalizing the amount of missing substances;
- the disappearance of leukocytes in the blood may also be associated with the redistribution of cells, due to ingestion of any infection or virus, to the fight against which white cells were redirected;
- destruction after an illness: most of these cells are represented by neutrophils, which make up about 60% of all white cells; they have the ability to die after the fight against the virus, therefore, after a serious infectious disease, the proportion of leukocytes is likely to be significantly reduced; however, when a sharp decrease in other types of white blood cells in the blood is detected during the analysis, the possibility of intoxication is excluded and other options are started to be considered;
- a high probability of a decrease in the number of white blood cells is associated with a malfunction of the bone marrow, in which these cells are produced before they enter the blood; damage can be not only traumatic in nature, but also, including, caused by intoxication on the basis of food or alcohol poisoning, as well as due to exposure to heavy metals, chemical poisoning, the effects of medical treatment;
- the causes of bone marrow damage leading to a decrease in leukocytes include radiation due to radiation therapy, autoimmune damage in which the immune system, when a strong virus or infection enters the body, begins to destroy its own cells, replacing leukopoietic tissue with a tumor; It is worth noting that the lesion of the bone marrow is a rarity, and when it occurs, leukopenia is pronounced, and not just gives a slight decrease in white blood cells.
Causes of a decrease in white blood cells in women
As mentioned above, the rate of leukocytes in the blood of an adult is within 4-9 × / l, however, in women, due to changes in hormonal levels during certain periods, the lower bar may be slightly different:
- in the midst of puberty during a stable hormonal background, all indicators are normal, including white blood cells, which are 4.5-10.5 × / l, as the body prepares for pregnancy;
- during pregnancy or hormonal changes in the body, the number of leukocytes is reduced to 3.5-9.5 × / l, respectively;
- at the time of maturity at the age of 35-45 years, there is another increase in the concentration of white blood cells to 4.5-10 × / l;
- with the onset of menopause, the production of sex hormones stops, the body can no longer perform the fertility function, and therefore there is a decrease in the level of white blood cells to 3.3-8.8 × / l;
- at the age of 55-65 years old with low hormone production, the number of leukocytes will be 3.1-7.5 × / l.
According to this scheme, it is noticeable that over the years the concentration of white blood cells decreases markedly, which is linked to the hormonal background. This is the main difference between the female body and the male body in this matter. The remaining reasons described above are characteristic for both sexes.
The reasons for the decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood of a child
The number of leukocytes in the blood of children is significantly higher than in adults. In newborns, the figure can vary greatly between 9-30 × / l, at the age of 1 to 3 years, this figure is usually in the range of 6-17 × / l, then gradually decreases and in 6-10 years will be already 6-11 × / l
Within one day, the concentration of leukocytes in the blood can vary greatly. In addition, children have a slightly different ratio of different types of cells related to leukocytes.
Thus, a reduced number of neutrophils leads to a general decrease in white blood cells after infection, influenza, ARVI, tonsillitis, and other similar diseases.
Symptoms with low white blood cell count
The leukopenia itself does not manifest itself at all, however, if during the analysis a decrease in the amount was found, but with a long-term course, an infection may develop which already will have them.
If the number of leukocytes is reduced, only a rise in temperature above 38 degrees can serve as a symptom, however, this will not be accompanied by the usual signs of colds and viral diseases, such as edema of the tonsils, rhinitis, sore throat and other things.
But this happens when the pathogen directly enters the body. However, most often, the situation does not change.
Also, doctors, when detecting a low concentration of white cells in the blood, do not take any action, since it is rather difficult to determine the cause. The situation becomes dangerous, especially if nothing is happening in this waiting.
It is especially dangerous if leukocytes are close to normal, but the number of neutrophils is reduced, which are replaced by other cells. In this case, any infection or virus can pass unhindered inside the body, which can lead to serious health problems.
Restoration of normal levels of leukocytes in the blood
What to do and how to quickly reduce leukocytes in the blood is the most common question. Depending on the cause of the problem, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment to eliminate it.
If the decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood is associated with a deficiency of substances involved in the construction of these cells, a special diet is appointed, aimed at normalizing their level.
It is also possible to include in the food special medicines, allowing you to quickly restore the number of necessary components in the body. If leukocytes are removed by the body's own cells, doctors prescribe treatment associated with the elimination of this failure of the immune system.
It is also important to follow some rules that during treatment will help speed up the recovery and reduce the risks of infection: all food, especially animal origin, should be fully cooked, vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed and peeled; in crowded places, it is recommended to wear a respiratory mask, as well as to avoid contact with people suffering from infectious and respiratory diseases. When the temperature rises in such a state, the soonest hospitalization is necessary.
And a little more information about leukocytes - in the next video.
