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What Are the Symptoms of Leukopenia?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

Leukopenia, a decrease in the total number of white blood cells in the body, is often the result of another disease or treatment such as chemotherapy, but it can also have symptoms of its own. Mild cases typically cause no issues and often go unnoticed, but as the number of white cells continues to decline, patients may begin to have general feelings of malaise such as fatigue and weakness, dizziness, or loss of appetite. As the condition worsens, the symptoms of leukopenia typically become more noticeable, severe, and dangerous. Without enough white cells to fight them, infections tend to set in as well as other problems like anemia, menorrhagia, and stomatitis.

The first symptoms of leukopenia are typically quite mild and fairly non-specific. Very early on, there are frequently no signs of a problem at all. Once the condition progresses, patients might feel tired and weak, although they may also have trouble sleeping. They can become dizzy or lightheaded or have headaches. Some people develop a low-grade fever with no obvious cause.

Leukopenia is often the result of chemotherapy.
Leukopenia is often the result of chemotherapy.

A further decline in white blood cells can start to cause more significant problems. One of the most common symptoms of leukopenia is the onset of unusual or recurrent infections. The mouth is often the place where this is first noticed, with canker sores, gingivitis, and periodontitis all occurring frequently. Lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia are also common, as are urinary tract infections. In rare cases, abscesses in the liver caused by bacterial infections can develop.

Leukopenia symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.
Leukopenia symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.

In addition to frequent infections, a number of other issues can be symptoms of leukopenia, too. Some patients have a drop in red blood cells or hemoglobin and develop anemia. Others may develop thrombocytopenia, a condition where the number of platelets in the blood drops abnormally low. Women may experience extremely heavy periods with more bleeding than they are used to -- a condition called menorrhagia. They may also have metrorrhagia, which is abnormal bleeding from the uterus unrelated to menstruation; this is typically an indication of a uterine infection.

Inflammation of mucous membranes can be another of the symptoms of leukopenia. This frequently affects the lining of the mouth, leading to irritation on the gums, tongue, or cheeks. It can also happen in the stomach, a condition called stomatitis.

Leukopenia can also affect a person’s mental state. Some patients become irritable and short-tempered. They may also show signs of neurasthenia, a condition characterized by nervous exhaustion.

Discussion Comments

literally45

@burcinc-- Low white blood cell count can indicate a serious disease like leukemia but it could also be a temporary problem caused by medications.

burcinc

I just found out I have leukopenia but my doctor doesn't know why yet. The only thing that comes to mind is my excessive bleeding during menstruation. My period is very heavy and lasts for eight days. I spend those eight days mostly in bed, sleeping. I can't work or do anything from the exhaustion.

Can this cause leukopenia?

donasmrs

My sister is getting chemotherapy for breast cancer. Her white blood cell count has fallen below the normal range several times because of it. She has to have it tested regularly to make sure it's not too low.

I think people who are getting chemotherapy have to be very careful about this. Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and dizziness are expected symptoms of chemotherapy. But most of us don't realize that it's due to a decrease in white blood cells. If it's not treated in time, it can be dangerous.

I also want to urge everyone who has a loved one undergoing chemotherapy and who is at risk of leukopenia to be with them and to help them. Yes, they will be moody and miserable, but they need us in these tough times. If it wasn't for me and her husband, my sister would be having a much harder time right now. We took her to the hospital because we felt that something was off the first time she developed leukopenia. She was in such a terrible state that she herself didn't understand what was wrong. Don't leave your loved ones alone!

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    • Leukopenia is often the result of chemotherapy.
      By: Frantab
      Leukopenia is often the result of chemotherapy.
    • Leukopenia symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.
      By: KBF MEDIA
      Leukopenia symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.
    • Symptoms of leukopenia may include inflammation of mucous membranes, which frequently affects the lining of the mouth.
      By: Khorzhevska
      Symptoms of leukopenia may include inflammation of mucous membranes, which frequently affects the lining of the mouth.
    • Recurrent infections, such as lung infections, is a symptom of leukopenia.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Recurrent infections, such as lung infections, is a symptom of leukopenia.
    • Abnormal bleeding unrelated to menstruation may be an indication of leukopenia.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Abnormal bleeding unrelated to menstruation may be an indication of leukopenia.