What is leukopenia?
Leukopenia is a diagnosis that means you have a lower than normal number of leukocytes (white blood cells). More specifically, the level of neutrophils is lower than normal.
What is a neutrophil?
A neutrophil is a leukocyte that acts as the front line of defense of the immune system. When there is a deficiency of white blood cells, the body becomes prone to infections.
The body produces up to 100 billion leukocytes every day, and in this way it is able to fight viruses and bacteria.
Leukopenia itself does not cause symptoms, but it contributes to infection, which in turn manifests itself with the following signs:
- Fever and chills;
- Swelling and redness;
- Mouth ulcers;
- Red or white patches in the mouth;
- Sore throat;
- Severe cough or shortness of breath;
- Pain when urinating;
- Urine may have an unpleasant odor;
- Diarrhea;
- Pus in wounds or ulcers;
- Unusual vaginal discharge or itching.
The cause of leukopenia may be:
- A history of bone marrow disease or autoimmune disorders;
- Infection;
- Some medications (a side effect);
- Nutritional deficiencies;
- Some vitamin deficiencies in the body.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17706-low-white-blood-cell-count
