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Can Stress Cause Leukopenia?
Question: I was in an ER last week for a nasty cut that got infected. Its all better, but after taking blood work the DR told me the only thing he saw was a low white blood cell count. He said it just might be from stress, which I have had a lot of for the last couple of years. I am 60 and always been one of those who rarely gets sick. My concern is that my mother around this same age (60) got ill and died of a illness that I remember our family Dr. saying something about her ability to make enough white blood cells. They had no name for her illness no treatment options for it. This happened in Traverce city MI. They sent her to the mayo in MInnesota and they offered no help or hope. She contined to decline and died a few months later. Should I be worried Thanks for any information
Brief Answer:
Depends on the actual value and the trend over time
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
You have not mentioned how low was the white cells. Unless it is significantly low and falling over time, there isn't much to worry. Stress is usually not a cause for low white cells. It may be because of viral infections or vitamin deficiencies, two most common causes. Other serious causes are that of bone marrow disorders.
Best would be follow the white cells over time. If progressively falling then further evaluation will be required. I guess there is no relation your mom's problems as this does not appear to be a congenital disease.
Hope this helps.
I will be available for further followup.
Regards
Depends on the actual value and the trend over time
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
You have not mentioned how low was the white cells. Unless it is significantly low and falling over time, there isn't much to worry. Stress is usually not a cause for low white cells. It may be because of viral infections or vitamin deficiencies, two most common causes. Other serious causes are that of bone marrow disorders.
Best would be follow the white cells over time. If progressively falling then further evaluation will be required. I guess there is no relation your mom's problems as this does not appear to be a congenital disease.
Hope this helps.
I will be available for further followup.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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