While chemotherapy does provide effective treatment for cancer, it often comes at the expense of several side effects including an exceptionally lowered count of white blood cells (WBC). White blood cells are very important for the immune system of the body and are fundamental in fighting off infections. Cancer patients with a low white blood cell count suffer from neutropenia, which makes them increasingly susceptible to infections and complications which in turn retards the treatment process.
The presence of a loved one undergoing chemotherapy treatment warrants families to take proactive measures to ensuring their WBC count is optimal.
This blog is going to address the primary questions of the decrease of WBC count during chemotherapy, the symptoms of low WBC, and safe methods to increase WBC count.
Why Does Chemotherapy Lower White Blood Cells?
Decrease in white blood cells as a result of chemotherapy is multifactorial. It is due to non selective targeting of fast multiplicating cells in the body. This means that cancer sufferes will also lose essential body parts like the bone marrow that produces WBC, thus, decreasing the overall count and more so the neutrophils, who are vital in shielding against bacterial and fungal infections.
The drop is usually seen after a week or more of chemotherapy and renders patients extremely prone to infections. Doctors may choose to moderate the dosage of chemotherapy or delay the next session to give the body ranged recovery if the white blood cell count is critically low.
Causes Due To Decreased White Blood Cell Count
Decreased WBC count is exceptionally common and is not diagnosed in advance since infections are usually developed before it is checked. Below are common symptoms for which you should watch out:-
- Excessive illness
- Body temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C)
- Excess sweating or shivering
- Extreme exhaustion
- Pharyngitis or sores in the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Rashes on skin or wounds that are slow to heal
If any of these indicators are observable, communicate the same to the oncologist before things take a turn for the worse.
Best Methods to Aid White Blood Cell Increase During Chemotherapy
Below are some of the best Methods to Aid White Blood Cell Increase During Chemotherapy:-
1. Medication
A prescription of growth factors also known as colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) aims to help in the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Medications include:-
- Filgrastim (Neupogen) – Helps in faster recovery and increase in WBC count.
- Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) – Reduced risk of infection compared to other forms.
- Sargramostim (Leukine) – Helps stimulate immune cell production for certain cases.
Most doctors will prescribe the above medications post chemotherapy especially to minimize any chances of neutropenia.
2. Consume Foods That Are Beneficial
A shift in diet will catapult the most fragile systems and help strengthen the immune system. Here are some food types proven to excel in boosting WBC count:
- Protein packed foods – Beans, lentils, fish, eggs, chicken and other lean meat are crucial in rebuilding damaged cells.
- Healthy fats – Immunity is supported through nutrition provided by nuts, seeds and olive oil.
- Foods with Vitamin C – Strawberries, citrus fruits, and tomatoes help with the WBC activity.
- Foods with Iron – Spinach, red meat, and fortified cereals help in the formation of red and white blood cells.
- Sources of Zinc – Shellfish and pumpkin seeds along with some dairy foods are helpful in enhancing immune functions.
3. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
Measures that can be taken to control exposure to pathogenic infections include frequent cleaning hands and using disinfectants as a low WBC count implies a weakened immune system. Some precautions include:-
- Washing hands with soap and water more often.
- Staying away from sick people and public places where a lot of people gather.
- Ensuring that food, especially meat, is cooked well to avoid foodborne infections.
- Regular cleaning of the house and disinfecting surfaces within the house.
4. Drinking Sufficient Water Daily
A sufficient amount of water must be taken throughout the day, at least 8-10 glasses to ensure optimal functioning of the immune system. Believe it or not drinking electrolyte-rich fluids such as herbal teas and coconut water helps too.
5. Make Sure You Sleep Well
7-9 hours of quality sleep is necessary every night to heal and regenerate the WBC in the body which supports the immune system. Stress affects immune function and can be reduced by relaxation practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
6. Maintain a Routine
Walking or gentle yoga workouts boost blood circulation while also improving the body's immunity. It is best to refrain from strenuous exercises at this stage because of the fatigue and stress chemotherapy induces to the body. Such workouts can be done if the person feels up to it.
7. Alcohol and Tobacco
WBC count diminishes because of smoking, while excessive drinking can lead to bone marrow suppression. Stopping smoking and reducing drinking will improve immune health. Both smoking and drinking should be avoided as much possible.
8. Patients should be compliant
Frequent monitoring of WBC counts can be done through blood tests and help doctors intervene in a timely manner should complications arise. You should strictly adhere to your oncologist’s guidelines and notify them of any developing infections at once.
Closing Thoughts: Talk To Experts
It is important to manage the WBC count during treatment to prevent infections and continue treating cancer seamlessly. You may combine medications with good nutrition, hygiene, adequate sleep, and rest, but most importantly, have a physician closely monitor your condition during this demanding journey.
When in need of specialized cancer treatment, Dr Pooja Babbar is best suited for the task since she has more than ten years of experience as a medical onclologist. While working with numerous cancer patients, she has excelled in bringing many to complete remission by successfully managing their chemotherapy treatment. With a focus on patients, the doctor embraces all necessary steps to ensure an individual treatment plan is in place along with care for every patient during their battle against cancer.
Contact Dr Pooja Babbar today for more information and support.
