Without an adequate white blood cell response available to fight infection, the body is at greater risk that any infection including those usually regarded as minor may cause serious illness or death. Risk of infection is an even greater concern for a patient whose immunity is already compromised for some reason. One example of this is a low neutrophil count neutrophils are a type of white blood cell involved in fighting bacterial infection caused by the effect of cancer chemotherapy on the bone marrow.
Where this is the case, treatments may need to be rescheduled to allow recovery of the white cell count and medications may be given to stimulate the growth of neutrophils to help maintain adequate levels. Since leukopenia is itself asymptomatic and chronic infection may go unrecognised because of failure to mount a symptomatic response, immunocompromised patients will usually have a periodic blood count to monitor their white cell count along with other regular health checks.
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The most common signs and symptoms of an infection include: fever and chills swelling and redness mouth sores, red or white patches in the mouth sore throat severe cough or shortness of breath pain or burning when urinating or foul-smelling urine diarrhea pain, redness or swelling of the rectal area drainage, pus, redness or swelling from a cut, sore, incision, venous access device or drainage tube unusual vaginal discharge or itching. Sometimes a fever is the only sign of infection, but a person can have an infection without having a fever or chills.
Take the temperature by mouth or under the arm. You can also use a special ear thermometer to take the temperature.
Do not take a rectal temperature because this could cause bleeding or an infection in the rectal area. Leukopenia or neutropenia are usually diagnosed by a complete blood count CBC. You may also need to have bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to find the cause of leukopenia or neutropenia. If the healthcare team thinks you have an infection, they will: ask you about symptoms, medicines and treatments do a physical exam take your temperature.
They will also order blood or urine tests or collect samples from any other possible site of infection. Knowing the cause of an infection helps the healthcare team decide on the best treatment option. Your healthcare team may order a chest x-ray if they think you have pneumonia. They may also order other imaging tests based on your health history and physical exam. The healthcare team may recommend measures to reduce the effect of cancer treatments on white blood cell counts.
The following medicines may help increase WBC counts. They can also help lower the risk of or treat infection. Colony-stimulating factors are special medicines called growth factors. They stimulate, or help, the bone marrow to make white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Different types of growth factors stimulate the bone marrow to make different types of blood cells.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors G-CSFs stimulate the bone marrow to make granulocytes. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors GM-CSFs stimulate the bone marrow to make granulocytes and macrophages.
Granulocytes and macrophages are types of WBCs. Sargramostim Leukine is a GM-CSF that may be used to help reduce the chance of developing infection and keep chemotherapy on schedule.
Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria and other micro-organisms. The healthcare team may prescribe antibiotics if your white blood cell count is too low, the risk of infection is high or they suspect you have an infection.
Other infection-fighting drugs, such as antiviral or antifungal drugs, may also be given. Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs are given by mouth orally or intravenously. The healthcare team will choose medicines based on the type of organism causing the infection. Until lab reports identify the organism, you may be given an antibiotic that fights many kinds of bacteria.
This type of drug is called a broad spectrum antibiotic. Some people may have to be admitted to the hospital if their absolute neutrophil count ANC is too low. Special precautions are taken until the neutrophil count is 0.
You may not be allowed to have visitors. If you can have visitors, they may have to wash their hands and wear a protective mask or gown. Anyone who feels unwell and those who have been exposed to an infectious disease such as chickenpox or measles should not visit. Brush your teeth gently to avoid irritating your gums. Keep away from germs: Wash your hands throughout the day or use hand sanitizer.
Stay away from sick people and crowds. If you have a condition that increases your chances of developing leukopenia, your doctor will routinely check your white blood cell count to help prevent or lower your chance of developing complications.
So if your white blood cells are low, you could have an infection but not have symptoms that would prompt you to see your doctor. If you have trouble doing any of these, talk with your doctor, nurse, or a dietitian. They might be able to adapt some of the guidelines to work better for you. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Get the statistics on survival rates and find out the most common symptoms, diagnostic options, and….
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A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is Leukopenia?
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