Neutropenia
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KEY POINTS
- Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of white blood cells (neutrophils). White blood cells protect your body from infection.
- Treatment for neutropenia depends on the cause and the severity. You may need to take medicines or change your diet.
- Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider how to take care of yourself at home.
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What is neutropenia?
Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of white blood cells (neutrophils). White blood cells protect your body from infection. When you have neutropenia, you can get infections easily because your white blood cell count is too low to fight off germs, such as bacteria.
It is more common in people aged 70 and older and in those who have long-term medical conditions that weaken their immune system, such as HIV or an organ transplant. The immune system is your body’s defense against infection.
What is the cause?
Neutropenia may be caused by:
- A problem you are born with
- A viral infection
- Certain medicines
- Being exposed to chemicals found in pesticides, cigarette smoke, and unleaded gas
- Not having enough vitamin B-12 or folate (folic acid) in your diet
- An autoimmune disease that causes your body to mistakenly attack your own tissue
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
What are the symptoms?
You may not have any symptoms, or you may have symptoms of an infection, which may include:
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Stuffy nose
- Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
- Burning during urination
- Redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of an injury
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have blood tests.
How is it treated?
Treatment for neutropenia depends on the cause and the severity. You may need to:
- Take antibiotics to prevent infections until your white blood cell count improves
- Make changes in your diet or take vitamin supplements
- Avoid chemicals or medicines that are known to cause neutropenia
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to stimulate the growth of white blood cells and to help your immune system work better.
Neutropenia related to vitamin deficiency usually goes away after 2 weeks of treatment with vitamins. Other causes may take longer to clear up.
How can I take care of myself?
Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Here are things you can do to try to prevent infection:
- Wash your hands often with an antibacterial soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Avoid people with colds, flu, or any type of infection or open sores.
- Try to avoid getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. Use an electric razor instead of a blade.
- Don't squeeze or scratch pimples or sores on your skin.
- Protect against sexually transmitted infection (STIs) by practicing safe sex:
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms during foreplay and every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
- Have just 1 sexual partner who is not having sex with anyone else
- Always use a soft toothbrush. Tell your dentist you have neutropenia. You may need to take antibiotics before and after any dental work or cleaning.
- Ask your healthcare provider which vaccinations you need to protect yourself.
- Avoid vaginal douches, bubble bath, and bath salts.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your food is completely cooked.
- Get plenty of rest.
Ask your provider:
- How and when you will get your test results
- How long it will take to recover
- If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
- How to take care of yourself at home
- What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.
