Neutropenia is a condition where individuals have an extremely low neutrophil count in their blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps defend the body against infection by destroying bacteria and fungi and removing dead cells from the human body. The normal range for neutrophil count lies between 1500 to 6000. If the number is below 1000, it is considered extremely low. This condition can be due to an underlying disease or drug treatment for other medical issues. A health card can help you get the right treatment without fussing about the cost. You can also try Home Depot Health Check App.

Symptoms of Neutropenia Disease

Neutropenia Disease is an immune disorder in which the neutrophil count (white blood cells) decrease. This disease can be life-threatening if not treated on time or properly managed. Neutropenia symptoms include:

A low-grade fever:

A low-grade fever is the first sign of Neutropenia Disease. This symptom occurs because no neutrophils are present in the body to fight against infection and other diseases.

Chills:

Neutropenia Disease patients can also feel chills and shivering because the body cannot generate heat due to low neutrophil count.

Fatigue:

Feeling tired and exhausted is another symptom of Neutropenia Disease. This occurs because there are no neutrophils in the body to help fight against infections, thus leaving the patient exhausted and tired.

Breathlessness:

Patients with Neutropenia disease can also experience breathlessness because neutrophils fight against certain infections that affect the lungs.

Headaches and body aches:

This is because their bodies are fighting against the infection, but due to the lack of neutrophils, they cannot fight it properly, thus leading to headaches and body pains.

What are the Causes of Neutropenia Disease?

Neutropenia Disease may be caused by some medical conditions such as:-

Infections:

Infections such as bacterial or fungal, parasitic, and viral infections may cause neutropenia. Infection of the bloodstream is the most common reason for developing this condition. In some rare cases, proteins from cancerous cells also enter the bloodstream, which causes a temporary increase in white blood cell count, resulting in erythrocytosis.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is a treatment  for killing cancer cells, stopping them from growing, or preventing tumours. The effect of chemotherapy can be temporary, and it may lead to neutropenia disease. Chemotherapy reduces white blood cell levels because these cells are susceptible to radiation therapy, which causes a high risk for infections after chemotherapy.

Autoimmune Diseases:

Autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system attacks the body’s healthy cells. Autoimmune diseases are caused due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some common autoimmune disorders are arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), celiac disease, etc.

Vitamin Deficiency:

Vitamin A, D, and E deficiencies can cause neutropenia. Excessive Vitamin A intake or lack of vitamin K may lead to low white blood cell count and overactive bone marrow. This results in the production of more white blood cells than there is space for them due to a reduced number of red blood cells.

Neutropenia Disease Treatment

Neutropenia disease treatment is available with the help of certain medications. After consulting a haematologist, oncologist or cardiologist in Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or any other top city, these medicines are prescribed to patients and can be purchased easily. However, it should be noted that these medications do not cure neutropenia but only reduce symptoms.

Antibiotics:

These medicines can be oral or intravenous, depending on the patient’s condition and severity of neutropenia. The majority of the doctors prescribe a combination of antibiotics with other medications in order to provide relief from symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, etc. Some common antibiotics used for Neutropenia treatment are:

• Fluoroquinolone
• Beta-lactam
• Aminoglycosides

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor:

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is a form of protein prescribed to patients with chronic neutropenia. These can be taken as an injection five days a week within the duration of six months. This medicine helps increase the production of granulocytes. These are infection-fighting cells that help fight against infections caused due to neutropenia.

Granulocyte Transfusion:

Granulocyte transfusion is injected into the veins of the patient’s body, and it helps increase the production of white blood cells. WBCs are infection-fighting cells that help fight against infections caused due to neutropenia.

Stem Cell Transplants:

Stem cell transplant is an effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic neutropenia. However, this approach requires complete preparation of the patient’s body prior to the procedure to avoid any kind of infections or complications after surgery. Alternatively, doctors also prescribe Neutrophin, which helps increase the production of white blood cells.

Prevention

In general, it is not possible to prevent neutropenia. However, if a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, doctors may prescribe injections to promote WBC production in the body. Further, the following steps can be taken to avoid any infection:

• Wash hands properly with soap. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser frequently when out.
• Get a flu shot if possible.
• Maintain distance from crowded places or people who are sick.
• Do not share eating utensils, food, towels, or razors with others.
• Clean the surroundings well
• Take a healthy diet.
• Do not swim in public swimming pools.

Conclusion

This disease can be dangerous if left untreated, so the sooner you receive treatment for neutropenia, the better. The first step in treating this type of disorder is to get a bone marrow biopsy done. This test will help a cardiologist in Pune and other major cities determine  exactly how serious the case is. Leverage your health card and get the treatment timely.