Neutropenia Symptoms

Neutropenia is the medical term for the condition, where the number of neutrophils in the body decreases to an abnormally low level. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells, that protect the body from the invasion of bacteria and fungi. Neutrophils contain enzymes, which function to engulf and digest the infectious agents, and this process is known as phagocytosis. Usually, neutrophils or neutrophil granulocytes are the most abundant type of white blood cells, as they constitute about 45 to 70% of the circulating white blood cells. But, in this condition, the number of these white blood cells reduces significantly, which can make the body more vulnerable to frequent infections. Symptoms of this condition are usually difficult to identify, especially if it is a mild case.

Generally, severity of neutropenia is evaluated with the help of absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which is measured as cells per microliter of blood. Accordingly, a count less than 1500 but greater than 1000 is considered as mild neutropenia, while a count greater than 500, but less than 1000 is regarded as moderate neutropenia. But, if the count is less than 500, then it is considered as severe neutropenia. A rare kind of blood disorder is cyclic neutropenia, where the number of neutrophils reduces in a cyclical pattern. In other words, the number of neutrophils reduces for a period and then rises again.

Causes of Neutropenia

It can occur either due to decreased production or increased destruction of neutrophils. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and their production can be adversely affected by conditions like, aplastic anemia, cancer, especially leukemia, arsenic poisoning, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency and certain medications. Sometimes, it can be a congenital disorder (congenital neutropenia) as well. Even viral infections can occasionally disturb the functions of the bone marrow.

Increased destruction of neutrophils can be caused by cancer treatments such as, chemotherapy and autoimmune conditions like, autoimmune neutropenia. Sometimes, severe infections can also cause a drop in neutrophils, as the body can start using more neutrophils than what is being produced. Apart from these, some other possible causes are, mononucleosis, AIDS, lupus, malaria, premature destruction of blood cells by the spleen, radiation therapy, tuberculosis and Kostmann syndrome.

Neutropenia Signs

These symptoms can go unnoticed due to the absence of any specific symptoms. Many times, the condition gets detected only when the affected individual develops severe infections. Low level of neutrophils usually makes an individual more susceptible to develop frequent infections. The bacteria that are normally present in our body can easily cause infections, if the number of neutrophils drops significantly. Generally, only a few symptoms can be observed in the patients, however they can be produced by many other health conditions as well.

• Frequent infections
• Unexplained fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Mouth and anal ulcers
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Skin infections
• Diarrhea
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Unusual redness and swelling around a wound or at the site of injury

Individuals with cyclic neutropenia can exhibit all or a few of the above mentioned symptoms, but only during the period of low neutrophil count. This means that its symptoms occur only during the period where the number of neutrophils drops to a significantly low level.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Neutropenia

It is detected with the help of complete blood count. Some other tests are also performed, which include, test for antineutrophil antibodies, autoantibody screen, vitamin B12 and folate assays, acidified serum test, and tests for detecting systemic lupus erythematosus. Bone marrow biopsy is carried out, if it is suspected to be caused by a serious condition. On the other hand, serial neutrophil counts are taken, if cyclic neutropenia is suspected. It can be managed by treating the underlying causes. Cancer patients with neutropenia are usually given blood cell growth factors to increase the production of neutrophils. If due to this condition, people develop infections, then antibiotics are administered.

So, neutrophils are a component of the immune system, that helps to prevent bacterial infections, and therefore, low neutrophil count can cause frequent infections. For proper management of this disease, it is immensely important to find out the underlying causes. It is equally important to know these symptoms, in order to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment of the condition. So, if you observe any of the symptoms frequently, then get the condition properly evaluated with the help of your physician to rule out the possibility of neutropenia and other diseases.