Leukopenia identifies a situation where the number of white blood cells in the blood is less than the normal. The reference value varies depending on gender and age.
In many cases the leukopenia is a symptom of a medical problem to be solved in order to bring the number of normal white blood cells. Among these possible problems are all the disorders and conditions that endanger the health of the bone marrow, the tissue that produces its own white blood cells such as viral infections, but also autoimmune diseases, congenital diseases or some forms of cancer.
Even some therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, some diuretics and some antibiotics, can temporarily reduce the number of white blood cells. Moreover, even anemia or a vitamin deficiency can lead to leukopenia, hindering the normal white blood cell production.
What kind of diseases can be associated with leukopenia?
The following diseases may be associated with leukopenia:
- AIDS
- Anaphylaxis
- Anemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Dengue
- Dermatitis
- Hepatitis
- Influence
- Kidney failure
- Hypersplenism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Leukemia
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Malaria
- Myasthenia gravis
- Morphological, refers
- Myelofibrosis
- Measles
- Parasitosis
- Pyelonephritis
- Psoriasis
- Rubella
- Sepsis
- Septic shock
- Kostmann syndrome
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Typhus
- Toxoplasmosis
- Tuberculosis
- Burns
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for leukopenia?
Leukopenia is treated by stimulating the bone marrow to produce new white blood cells. This may require treatments using steroids, cytokines or chemotherapy. It can also be useful to take multivitamins supplements.
These treatments are usually combined with specific therapies can address the causes that led to the development of leukopenia. These may consist in taking drugs to fight infections.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of leukopenia?
In case of leukopenia, it is always good to consult your doctor, so he can identify the cause.
