What is the significance of a low white blood cell count?

[KatyMac]

Or should I google?

in my limited knowledge, white blood cells fight infection so low count would mean tat you either have or have just had an infection of some sort.

i thought a raised white blood count meant you were fighting infection?

however as embarrasinginjury has limited knowledge and i have none i shan't be offended if you disregard my offering

I thought raised was for fighting infection too

Oh I wish I was closer

low wbc or leukopaenia can be caused by many different things eg. drugs,viruses,liver disease,vit deficiency and so on.

oh...erm, i don't know!

It means your immune system is compromised, so you are more vulnerable to infections (bacterial, fungal etc.) Can be the result of an infection/virus or brought about by drug treatment (chemo for example).

hmm i thought high white blood cell count means current infection. So that would make low blood cell count that you had a depressed immune system (immunosupressant??)

But again my knowledge is sketchy

OK - so DH's could be caused by the infection he has, the antibiotics he is taking or an underlying condition

yes ABs can reduce wbc

I vote for wait for a recount...(and don't google).

They are a high dosage AB so fingers crossed it's that

Another low result today

It's a bit worrying

Often in a severe infection the circulating number of white cells drop initially while they are used at the site of infection. It takes the body a while to catch up and respond to produce the higher numbers which will then be seen a little further down the line in the blood. There are however other reasons for low numbers too as has been mentioned already, but the above would seem logical given what your DH is going through at the moment.

Thanks beautifulgirls

I guess ivI am just scared and lonely atm& this ges me something to focus (& worry) about

His blood count has 'stabilised'