Why are white blood cells low? ——Causes, symptoms and countermeasures
White blood cells are an important part of the human immune system and are responsible for resisting pathogen invasion. When the white blood cell count is below the normal range (usually 4.0-10.0×10⁹/L in adults), it may indicate a health problem. The following is a summary and analysis of topics related to low white blood cells that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Common causes of low white blood cells

| Cause classification | specific factors | Proportion (reference data) |
|---|---|---|
| Infectious diseases | Viral colds, HIV, hepatitis, etc. | 35%-40% |
| drug effects | Chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, immunosuppressants | 25%-30% |
| blood system diseases | Aplastic anemia, leukemia, etc. | 15%-20% |
| Malnutrition | Vitamin B12/folate deficiency | 10%-12% |
| other factors | Radiation exposure, autoimmune diseases | 8%-10% |
2. Recent hot discussion cases
1.White blood cells remain low after recovery from COVID-19: Multiple health forums reported that some patients experienced fluctuations in white blood cell count within 3-6 months after being infected with the new coronavirus, and experts recommended regular monitoring.
2.Abnormal white blood cells in people who lose weight: Social media data shows that cases of malnutrition-induced leukopenia caused by extreme dieting increased by 17% from the previous month.
3. Typical symptoms and signs
| Symptom type | Specific performance | frequency of occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| symptoms of infection | Recurrent fever and oral ulcers | high frequency |
| systemic symptoms | Fatigue, dizziness | Medium and high frequency |
| Skin manifestations | Unexplained ecchymosis | IF |
4. Countermeasures and suggestions
1.Medical test recommendations:
| basic check | Blood routine + white blood cell classification |
| Advanced check | Bone marrow aspiration (if necessary) |
2.lifestyle adjustments:
• Ensure high-quality protein intake (1.2-1.5g/kg body weight daily)
• Supplement foods rich in B vitamins (animal liver, whole grains)
• Avoid raw and cold food to prevent infection
3.Treatment principles:
Targeted treatment is required based on the cause, such as:
• Infectious diseases require antipathogenic treatment
• Those with drug-induced symptoms need to be evaluated for possible discontinuation
• Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor may be required in severe cases
5. Latest research trends
1. The latest research in the "Journal of Hematology" shows that probiotic intervention may improve the recovery rate of white blood cells in chemotherapy patients (sample size n=120, P<0.05).
2. In the latest "Interpretation of Common Test Indicators" released by the National Health Commission, it is particularly emphasized that the white blood cell count needs to be combined with the absolute value of neutrophils for comprehensive judgment.
Summary:Low white blood cells may be a sign of a variety of diseases. It is recommended to seek medical treatment in time when the leukocyte count continues to be lower than 3.0×10⁹/L. Recent data shows that more than 30% of non-pathological leukopenia can be prevented by proper nutrition and avoidance of drug abuse.
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