Low Blood Count Symptoms

The complete blood cell (CBC) count is a lab test done during a physical that checks the counts of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. When people say they have a low blood count, it usually means that one of the three levels is less than normal, so they might not feel at their best.

WBCs

• White cells are responsible for fighting infection. When WBCs are low and there is no infection in the body, a person can feel normal, as if nothing is wrong. However, if there is an infection, the person may have a fever, runny nose or cough. Urination may be painful and frequent. A health care provider may collect cultures (via blood, sputum or urine) to determine the source of the infection and prescribe antibiotics. When a person has a low WBC count, it is important that he wash his hands frequently and avoid sick people.

RBCs

• Red cells carry oxygen to the tissues. When RBCs are low, the body does not get enough oxygen, and a person may feel tired or short of breath. His skin may be pale. His heart may beat faster than normal. People with a low RBC count need lots of rest; otherwise, they will be exhausted. They should eat foods loaded with protein and vitamins. When people with low RBC counts experience shortness of breath or a rapid heartbeat, they need to stop whatever they are doing immediately and rest.

Platelets

• Platelets help stop bleeding. When platelets are low, there is a high risk of bleeding. Symptoms may include bruising on the arms and legs in the absence of blunt trauma. The gums may bleed during teeth brushing, and nosebleeds can occur for absolutely no reason. People can decrease the risk of bleeding by using a very soft toothbrush, avoiding blades while shaving (use electric razors instead) and refraining from contact sports.

When All Three Are Low

• The WBC, RBC, or platelet levels can be low for different reasons. However, if all three are low at about the same time, the most likely scenario is that a person is receiving treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy suppresses the bone marrow, which produces WBCs, RBCs and platelets. When all levels are low, there is a general feeling of malaise. A person may tire easily, and exhaustion may become a problem. Walking down the hall may be a daunting task. Fever, bruising and anxiety are common.

One More Thing

• When taken by themselves, low counts on a CBC panel mean nothing. It is important for health care providers to ask themselves why the numbers are at their current levels; they need to examine other factors---lifestyle, medical condition or drugs---that can affect blood count levels before deciding whether further treatment is necessary.