Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Neutropenia (say "noo-truh-PEE-nee-uh") means that your blood has too few white blood cells called neutrophils. White blood cells are an important part of your body's immune system. Neutrophils help protect your body from infection by killing bacteria. Neutropenia is often caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments destroy cancer cells. But they can also decrease your body's ability to make white blood cells. Other causes include: When you have neutropenia, you can get infections easily because your white blood cell count is low. Your body can't fight off germs as well as it should. Even a mild infection can quickly become serious. So it's important to take extra measures to avoid infections and to be alert for signs of infection. Your doctor can tell you how long to keep up these precautions. Fever is a common sign of infection. So if you have neutropenia, your doctor may ask you to check your temperature every day and keep a written record of your readings. Common signs of infection include: Other possible signs include a sore throat or mouth sores, vaginal drainage or itching, diarrhea, pain when you urinate, and a need to urinate often. If your white blood cell count is very low, your doctor may give you medicine to help protect you, such as: If you get an infection or a fever, you may need to be treated in the hospital. To fight the infection, your doctor may give you antibiotics through a vein (intravenous, or I.V.). This gets the medicine into your bloodstream quickly. Some people may be allowed to take antibiotics by mouth. When you have neutropenia, it's important to take extra care to avoid infections, because you can get infections easily. Your doctor can tell you the best ways to handle and prepare foods to help avoid infections. You may also need to avoid certain foods. For example, your doctor may tell you to: This includes the flu vaccine. Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Neutropenia: Preventing Infections
Condition Basics
What is neutropenia?
What causes it?
What happens when you have it?
What are the signs of infection?
How is neutropenia treated?
How can you prevent infections?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardNeutropenia: Preventing Infections
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.