White blood cells (WBCs) are responsible for protecting the body from infections and diseases. They are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when needed.

However, in some cases, the white blood cell count can decrease, leading to lower immunity and a higher risk of infections. Here are some reasons that can cause low white blood cells:.

1. Medical Treatments

Chemotherapy and radiation, which are commonly used to treat various cancers, can lower the production of white blood cells.

They target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and the rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow that produce white blood cells. This can lead to a reduction in the number of white blood cells, resulting in immune system suppression. Other medications, such as antibiotics and antiviral drugs, can also have an impact on white blood cell counts.

2. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, including white blood cells.

This can lead to a decrease in the white blood cell count, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.

3. Bone Marrow Diseases

Any disorder that affects the bone marrow can lead to a decrease in white blood cell count. These conditions include leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and aplastic anemia.

These conditions can cause a decrease in the production of white blood cells, leading to a compromised immune system.

4. Viral Infections

Certain viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and Epstein-Barr virus, can suppress the production of white blood cells. They attack the immune system directly, leading to a decrease in white blood cell count and a higher risk of infections.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 and folate, can lead to decreased white blood cell production.

These vitamins are essential for the growth and development of white blood cells and a deficiency in them can cause a decrease in white blood cell count.

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6. Chemotherapy

As mentioned earlier, chemotherapy can suppress the growth and production of white blood cells. However, this is a necessary side effect of the treatment for many cancers.

Once chemotherapy is complete, the white blood cell count should bounce back to its normal level.

7. Radiation Therapy

Similar to chemotherapy, radiation therapy damages rapidly dividing cells, including those that produce white blood cells. This can cause a decrease in the white blood cell count.

However, like chemotherapy, once the treatment is complete, the white blood cell count should return to its normal level.

8. Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections such as malaria and parasitic worms can reduce the white blood cell count. These parasites can infect and damage white blood cells, causing a reduction in their number.

9. Inherited Disorders

Sometimes, low white blood cell count is an inherited condition. The most common inherited disorders that cause low white blood cell counts are severe congenital neutropenia and Kostmann syndrome.

With these disorders, the body produces a very low number of white blood cells, making the individual more prone to infections.

10. Radiation Therapy

In some cases, radiation therapy may be needed to treat a disease. This therapy can cause damage to the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in white blood cell count.

However, once the therapy is completed, the white blood cell count may return to normal levels.

Conclusion

A low white blood cell count can lead to an increased risk of infections and diseases. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the low count to improve treatment and increase the white blood cell count.

Additionally, practicing good hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding contact with people who are sick can help to reduce the risk of infections.