What are the symptoms of leukopenia?

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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The most common cause of leukopenia is viral infections, along with some severe bacterial infections. Common symptoms of viral and bacterial infections include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, cough, expectoration, abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgent urination, and frequent urination. Generally, further examinations can be conducted through blood draws and routine tests of blood, urine, and stool cultures. If there is an accompanying hematological disease, such as thrombocytopenia, symptoms can include general weakness, body aches, and bone pain; further bone marrow examinations should be conducted.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Is leukopenia severe?

The normal value of white blood cells in the human body is 4 to 10×10^9/L. White blood cells mainly consist of neutrophils and lymphocytes, along with some other types of eosinophilic and basophilic granulocytes. If the total white blood cell count decreases, generally falling below 4 to 10×10^9/L, it is referred to as leukopenia. Among these, neutrophils are the most related to the body's immune response. If neutrophils decrease to less than 1.5×10^9/L, it is defined as neutropenia, which is very serious. If neutropenia occurs, the resistance to infections is greatly lowered, making the body highly susceptible to various infections. Active treatment to increase white blood cells is necessary; otherwise, any infection may lead to severe conditions like septicemia and septic shock, which can even be life-threatening.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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What to eat to quickly recover from leukopenia?

There are mainly three reasons for leukopenia: the first is the impaired production of white blood cells, the second is the excessive destruction of white blood cells, and the third is the redistribution of white blood cells. Therefore, for leukopenia, the main approach is etiological treatment. If leukopenia is suspected to be caused by certain drugs or other pathogenic factors, generally, stopping the use of these drugs and avoiding contact can lead to the recovery of white blood cells to normal levels. For this kind of secondary decrease of white blood cells, we usually treat the primary disease. Once the symptoms of the primary disease are alleviated and controlled, the white blood cell count can return to normal without the need for additional medication. Moreover, the greatest risk of leukopenia is the fear of infection, but mildly reduced patients generally do not require special treatment. However, as the severity of leukopenia increases, the risk of infection increases, and at this point, some preventative measures against infection can be taken. Particularly for patients with neutropenia who are highly susceptible to severe infections, sterile isolation may be employed, and the specific sites and types of infections identified. This allows for the use of sensitive antibiotics; for viral infections, antiviral drugs can be administered. Additionally, broad-spectrum antibiotics capable of covering both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria can be used. Furthermore, while preventing infection, it is also important to promote the production of granulocytes. This typically requires ruling out serious hematologic diseases before using medications that promote white blood cell production, such as B vitamins and squalene. However, these treatments are only symptomatic. The primary focus should still be on correcting the underlying cause to maintain white blood cells within a normal range. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Does leukopenia lead to leukemia?

First of all, a concept to clarify: generally, leukemia is associated with a very high white blood cell count. So, does a decrease in white blood cells lead to leukemia? There is no direct causal relationship between the two. A reduction in white blood cells generally requires an analysis of its cause—whether it is due to a decline in hematopoietic function, a deficiency in raw materials, or an increase in destruction. These situations essentially involve issues in the production factory or where they are used. We cannot say that people with reduced white blood cells will not develop leukemia, nor can it be stated in that way. They may also, over a period, exhibit a reduction in white blood cells due to certain factors. So, if there are genes causing leukemia combined with other factors, leukemia might occur, but there is no direct causation between the two.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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What causes leukopenia?

When the white blood cell count in the surrounding blood continuously remains below 4.0*10^9/L, we call this condition leukopenia. Typical symptoms of leukopenia include dizziness, fatigue, limb soreness, reduced appetite, and listlessness, although some patients may not exhibit any obvious clinical symptoms. The causes of leukopenia are very complex and can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary leukopenia refers to cases where the cause is unknown, while secondary leukopenia refers to cases potentially caused by acute infections or physical and chemical factors, or diseases of the hematopoietic system, connective tissue diseases, allergic diseases, or genetic diseases, all of which may lead to a reduction in white blood cells.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What medicine is used for leukopenia?

Leukopenia refers to a condition where the absolute count of white blood cells in peripheral blood persistently falls below 4.0×10^9/L, commonly known as leukopenia. There are many causes of leukopenia, which can generally be divided into two categories: defects in white blood cell production, and excessive destruction or consumption. Common causes include certain chemicals, radiation, cytotoxic drugs, some hematological diseases such as aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as Vitamin B12 deficiency, and drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism. Additionally, viral infections can lead to excessive white blood cell consumption and result in leukopenia. Therefore, when leukopenia occurs, it is crucial to actively search for the underlying causes and treat the primary condition. Meanwhile, if the patient's white blood cell count is significantly reduced, drugs that increase white blood cells may be temporarily administered to elevate the patient's white blood cell count.