The term low blood count can refer to white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets. While low blood counts are often the temporary result of a treatable illness, low levels of blood cells can indicate a serious medical condition that cannot be easily treated. Each type of low blood count has a specific treatment.
Low White Count
White blood cells, known as leukocytes, fight disease. In adults, a low white blood cell count is defined by the Mayo Clinic as fewer than 3,500 leukocytes per microliter of blood. In children, normal white cell counts vary based on age and sex. Low white blood cell counts can be caused by bone marrow disorders, cancer, autoimmune disorders, severe infections and drugs that damage the bone barrow or destroy white blood cells. People with low white blood cell counts might have fevers or exhibit symptoms of infection. Once a low white blood cell count has been identified, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If the white blood cell count is low because of chemotherapy, blood cell growth factors might be administered.
Low Red Count
Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, are responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues and carrying carbon dioxide away from the cells. Because these blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, bone marrow disorders might be the cause of a low red blood cell count. Cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause reduced red blood cell counts. People with this condition may experience fatigue, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, pale skin, dizziness and difficulty staying warm. If a low red blood cell count is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition should help to restore red blood cells to normal levels. If the decline is from chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a cell growth factor known as erythropoietin can be administered to stimulate the production of red blood cells. The University of Florida Shands Cancer Center indicates that a normal red blood cell count is 4.7 to 6.1 million per microliter of blood.
Low Platelet Count
Platelets are cell fragments that break off from cells in the bone marrow. Their primary function is to help with clotting and prevent continuous bleeding from an injured vessel. When someone has a low platelet count, the condition is referred to as thrombocytopenia. A normal platelet count in an adult is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Conditions that can cause a low platelet count include leukemia, lymphoma, HIV, lupus, bone marrow disorders and drugs such as heparin. Thrombocytopenia might be signaled by nosebleeds, excessive bleeding and excessive bruising. Treating the condition responsible for thrombocytopenia may help to return platelet levels to normal. If the platelet count remains low, administration of cell growth factors or transfusion of platelets from a donor might be necessary.
