LOW NEUTROPHIL COUNT

Low neutrophil count transpires when you have little neutrophils, a kind of WBC or white blood cell that assists your body in fighting infections. Neutrophils are particularly crucial in battling infections due to bacteria. 

You will most likely be unconscious that you have a low neutrophil count. People frequently learn about it only after they’ve had blood testing for other reasons. A single blood test revealing low neutrophil count does not always imply neutropenia. Because these levels might fluctuate from day to day, a blood test that indicates you have neutropenia should be redone for verification.

You may be more susceptible to infections if you have neutropenia. Even common germs from your mouth and gastrointestinal organs might cause significant sickness when you have the condition.

TYPES

Neutropenia is classified into four types:

  • Congenital
  • Cyclic
  • Autoimmune
  • Idiopathic

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of neutropenia can vary from minor to severe. The symptoms get more potent as you experience low neutrophil count. Some of these symptoms are:

  • fever
  • pneumonia
  • ear infection
  • navel infection
  • gum inflammation
  • abscesses on the skin
  • sinus infection

Symptoms of cyclic neutropenia repeat every three weeks. Infection can become more common when you have a low neutrophil count.

DIAGNOSIS

The following tests can help in the diagnosis of neutropenia:

CBC test. It is a type of blood test that is used to determine the number of neutrophils in the body.

Antibody blood test. This test determines whether or not you have autoimmune neutropenia.

Bone marrow aspirate. This method tests the bone marrow cells.

Bone marrow biopsy. This test entails analyzing a portion of bone marrow’s bony section.

Cytogenetic and molecular testing. This test helps your doctor determine your cells structures.

TREATMENT

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factors can be used to address most types of neutropenia (G-CSF). It is a synthetic form of the hormone that induces neutrophils in the bone marrow to multiply. G-CSF can boost the number of neutrophils in the body.

Infections produced by the disease can also be treated with the following:

  • Vitamins
  • Cytokines
  • Antibiotics
  • Corticosteroids 
  • Glucocorticoids 
  • Immunoglobulins 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Transfusions of white blood cells
  • Immunosuppressive medications

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