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Understanding Neutropenia

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Neutropenia - shortage of neutrophils

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What is Neutropenia?

Neutropenia is a common side effect for many chemotherapy treatments. As many as one in three patients experience neutropenia during their treatments. Neutropenia is a shortage of neutrophils, a specific type of white blood cell that destroys bacteria and protects you from infection and disease. White blood cells play an important part in preventing infections. Neutropenia can increase your risk for infection, because there are not enough bacteria fighting cells in your body. Your doctor will closely monitor your condition with routine blood tests and can prescribe medication to increase your white blood cells if needed.

Infection

Infections are another common side effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs can deplete your white blood cells and lead to a condition called neutropenia. Neutrophils are a specific type of white blood cell that destroy bacteria and serve as your body's primary defense against infection. Low levels of neutrophils make your body more susceptible to infection, and make it harder to fight any infection you do get. These infections usually come from bacteria on the skin or mouth or in the colon. Your doctor will perform routine blood tests to look for signs of infection and can prescribe medication to increase your white blood cell count.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Burning while urinating
  • Fever of 100.4° or greater
  • Shaking chills
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea
  • Burning when urinating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Redness, swelling, or sores on the skin
Here are some precautions to prevent infection during chemotherapy:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
Bathe daily
Be careful to avoid bodily injury when using sharp objects
Clean cuts or open sores with antibacterial cream
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
  • Bathe daily.
  • Be careful to avoid bodily injury when using sharp objects.
  • Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid contact with people who have obvious infections.
  • Take your temperature daily.
  • Clean cuts or open sores with antibacterial cream after washing with soap and warm water.

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