Blood is a mixture of plasma with cellular elements of several species: platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. For the proper functioning of all organs and systems in the body, they should always be contained in a certain amount. The lack of any of them causes a pathological condition, in which anomalous processes that cause deterioration of human health begin. These include leukopenia, erythrocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, the causes of which should be known in order to prevent the development of irreversible processes in the body. Next we consider the first of the listed states.
Types of leukopenia
If a person has become constantly ill, and it seems that the infectious diseases go from one organ to another, it is necessary to be examined. First of all, you need to pass tests of urine, blood and stool. This is a sure way to detect leukopenia.
After receiving the result of a general blood test, in which the white blood cell count is below the norm (6.5 - 8.0x109 / L), it is first necessary to determine the cause and then begin treatment.
Leukopenia can be a primary disease or secondary, occurring as a consequence of an ailment or external exposure. As a separate disease, it, most often, manifests itself in a chronic form and can be:
- congenital - due to a defect in stem cells;
- idiopathic - occurrence for unknown reasons;
- autoimmune.
The causes of development of leukopenia in adults
Factors that can provoke the development of leukopenia have been identified quite a lot.
1. Various severe diseases:
- viral (influenza, malaria, hepatitis, measles, HIV);
- gynecological;
- typhoid fever and brucellosis;
- tuberculosis ;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- polyimilite.
2. Taking medication:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Antipyrine, Amidopyrin, Butadion);
- sulfanilomides;
- strong antibiotics.
3. Insufficient intake of such elements as:
- protein;
- vitamins of group B (especially B1 and B12);
- amino acids;
- folic acid;
- copper and iron.
4. Regular contact with pesticides and toxins. This occurs in cases where the work of a person is associated with arsenic or benzene with poor compliance with precautions (wearing protective equipment). It can also provoke a strong one-time exposure of these substances to the body.
5. Radiation and ionizing radiation. It can provoke development from anemia to the degeneration of bone marrow cells.
6. Failure in the work of organs such as the spleen and adrenal glands.
7. Oncology. Especially in those cases when the bone marrow itself, which produces leukocytes, is affected.
How is leukopenia manifested?
As a result of these factors in the body, the following processes begin, leading to the development of leukopenia:
- insufficient formation of leukocytes;
- abnormal movement of neutrophils during exiting the bone marrow or moving through the blood;
- excessive disintegration of white blood cells inside the vessels;
- violation of redistributive function (cell exit from the spleen).
Whatever the reasons for the occurrence of leukopenia, it is absolutely necessary to fight it. After all, as a result of this condition, the body's ability to resist pathogenic microorganisms decreases. Because of this, a person is constantly ill, which can lead to serious consequences.
Treatment should be conducted under the supervision of specialists before the normalization of the level of leukocytes, as this disease causes severe damage to immunity . Therefore, if not completely cured, the risk of catching the infection will always remain very high.