What is the difference between leukopenia and leukocytosis

As far as the treatment for Leukocytosis is concerned, it is always important to find the root cause of the condition rather than treating the patient targeting the symptoms. If the elevation of leukocytes is due to some drug the patient is taking, it is mandatory to stop the drug and replace it with an alternative.

Leukopenia is a condition where a significant reduction of white blood cells is observed, which in turn weakens the immunity system, making the body vulnerable to get various infections one after the other. However, all these will ultimately result in an immunosuppression and therefore it is important to diagnose the possible etiology as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications. Patients with leukopenia will mostly complain of recurrent infections suggestive of poor immunity whereas other features will depend on the underlying medical condition.

While medications are working out appropriately on the etiological condition, the patient can be saved from further infections by ensuring a good hygiene, proper hand washing, avoiding contagious diseases, avoiding overcrowded places and using a nose and mouth mask if possible.

It is also important to check white blood cell levels routinely in order to see if the body is responding to drugs. Once the root cause is eliminated, the patient will recover soon. Reference ranges for white blood cells. Leukocytosis is an increase in the number of white blood cells whereas Leukopenia is an abnormal reduction of white blood cells, giving rise to a significant immune-suppression.

There can be several etiological conditions responsible for each of these findings and the treatment plan and follow-up will mainly depend on this etiology.

In fact, once the root cause is eliminated fully, these abnormalities will eventually return to the normal range. Forgot Your Username?

Enter your email below and we'll resend your username to you. Contact Support If you need further assistance, please contact Support. Remember Me. Forgot your username or password? Purchase a subscription. A The Washington Manual subscription is required to. Already have an account? Log In. Want to read the entire topic? Browse sample topics. Please contact me in response to this feedback. Email Phone Best time to call:. Leukopenia is a condition where a person has a reduced number of white blood cells.

This increases their risk of infections. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help to fight off infection. Leukocytes are a vital part of the immune system. People who have leukopenia have fewer white blood cells than they should. This makes them more likely to get infections. This article explores the effect leukopenia has on the body, what causes it, and the treatment options available. Leukopenia is a condition where a person has fewer white blood cells in their bloodstream than they should.

Leukopenia is diagnosed with a blood test called a complete blood count or CBC. A healthy white blood cell count is between 3, and 11, white blood cells per microliter. A person with leukopenia may have fewer than 3, white blood cells per microliter. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and are critical for the immune system.

Having too few of them means the body is less able to fight off infections and diseases. There are five types of white blood cells. Each helps to protect the body from a different kind of infection:. There are five kinds of leukopenia, each one corresponding to the type of white blood cell that is affected.

The terms leukopenia and neutropenia are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to slightly different conditions. Neutropenia is a type of leukopenia but refers specifically to a decrease in neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell.

This test can help to diagnose conditions that include leukemia. There are no specific symptoms of having a low white blood cell count. However, when someone has leukopenia, they are more likely to get infections. The symptoms of infection include:.