Is your immune system weakened? Let's learn about Neutropenia!

Did you know that when a germ enters our body, our body has an army to fight it? One of the most special types of soldiers in this army is called Neutrophil. But sometimes, due to various reasons, the number of these soldiers in our body decreases. That's when even a small illness becomes serious and infections start to occur frequently. Today we are talking about this condition called 'Neutropenia', in which the body's defense soldiers decrease.

Simply put, what is Neutropenia?

Neutropenia (pronounced: neutro-pe-nia) is a condition in which the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood is lower than normal. These neutrophils are mainly produced in our bone marrow. Their main job is to find and destroy germs, such as bacteria and viruses, that enter our bodies.

So imagine what happens when these neutrophils are low. It's like the army that protects a country is weakened. Our body's ability to fight germs is greatly reduced. In severe cases, even normal bacteria in our mouths and intestines, which do not harm a healthy person, can cause serious infections.

How are neutrophil levels classified?

A doctor will determine this by looking at your blood test results. Normally, a healthy adult should have more than 1,500 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Neutropenia is divided into three levels depending on how low this number is.

This condition can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). It can also be congenital or acquired.

What are the main causes of neutropenia?

There can be several reasons for a decrease in neutrophils. Either the bone marrow does not produce enough neutrophils, or the neutrophils that are produced are destroyed too quickly.

Here are some of the main reasons:

• Cancer and its treatments: This is a common cause. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, especially for cancer, can also damage healthy cells called neutrophils, which are rapidly dividing cells, when they are destroyed. It can also be caused by blood cancers such as leukemia.
• Infections: Some viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can temporarily lower neutrophil levels. Examples include HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and sepsis, a severe infection.
• Certain medications: In addition to cancer medications, some medications taken for other diseases can also cause a decrease in neutrophils as a side effect.
• Autoimmune conditions: This is when our body's own immune system mistakenly attacks our own healthy neutrophil cells, thinking they are the enemy. Examples include conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Nutritional deficiencies: This condition can also occur if the body lacks nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, or copper.
• Genetic causes: Some people inherit this condition from birth.

What are the symptoms of neutropenia?

The important thing here is that Neutropenia itself does not have any symptoms. However, due to low neutrophils, you may experience various symptoms due to infections that you get easily. If you get sick frequently, it could be a sign of Neutropenia.

When an infection occurs, you may see symptoms like:

• Fever (over 38 Celsius or 100.4 Fahrenheit)
• Feeling extremely tired and lifeless
• Sore throat
• Swelling of the body's joints
• Painful sores in the mouth or anus
• Diarrhea
• Burning and pain when urinating
• Skin infections (redness, swelling, pain)

If your neutropenia level is mild, you may still have enough neutrophils left in your body to fight infections. You may not have any symptoms at this time.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause of your low neutrophil levels and how severe it is. Some mild cases may not require any treatment.

Here are some of the main treatment methods:

• Antibiotics: If you have neutropenia along with a fever (called `febrile neutropenia`), it could be a sign of a serious infection. In such a case, your doctor may admit you to the hospital and give you strong antibiotics through a vein (through a line).
• Corticosteroids: If your neutropenia is caused by an autoimmune disease, these medications are given to control the activity of the body's immune system.
• G-CSF (Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor): These are a special type of injection that stimulates the bone marrow and increases the production of white blood cells (especially neutrophils). These are often given to people undergoing chemotherapy.
• Changing medications: If your condition is caused by a medication, your doctor may stop the medication or change the dosage.

What should I do to protect myself from infections?

If you know you have neutropenia, the most important thing you can do is protect yourself from infections. Since your immune system is weakened, you need to be extra careful.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when water is not available.
• Stay away from people who are sick and crowded places as much as possible.
• Get all your required vaccines , such as the influenza vaccine, on time. Ask your doctor for advice on this.
• Avoid cuts and scrapes. Clean and treat even small wounds promptly.
• Be very careful about food hygiene. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating. Cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly before eating.
• Do not use other people's dishes, cups, spoons, razors, towels, and toothbrushes.
• If you are working in the garden, wear gloves.
• When removing pet waste or changing diapers for young children, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after you are done.
• Avoid swimming in bodies of water that are not clean, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds.

When should I see a doctor as soon as possible?

If you are undergoing chemotherapy or have another medical condition that can cause neutropenia, do not delay if you develop any of the following symptoms. Call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Neutropenia is nothing to be afraid of, but it is important to be aware of it and be careful. If you follow your doctor's instructions carefully and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from infections, you can manage this condition well.

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