Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) occurs when you have too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cells. While all white blood cells help your body fight infections, neutrophils are important for fighting certain infections, especially those caused by bacteria.
You probably won't know that you have neutropenia. People often only find out when they've had blood tests done for other reasons.
A single blood test showing low levels of neutrophils doesn't necessarily mean you have neutropenia. These levels can vary from day to day, so if a blood test shows you have neutropenia, it needs to be repeated for confirmation.
Neutropenia can make you more vulnerable to infections. When neutropenia is severe, even the normal bacteria from your mouth and digestive tract can cause serious illness.
Numerous factors may cause neutropenia through destruction, decreased production or abnormal storage of neutrophils.
Neutropenia doesn't cause obvious symptoms, so it alone probably won't prompt you to go to your doctor. Neutropenia is usually discovered when blood tests are done for other reasons.
Talk to your doctor about what your test results mean. A finding of neutropenia combined with the results from other tests might indicate the cause of your condition. Your doctor also may need to repeat the blood test to confirm your results or order additional tests to find out what's causing your neutropenia.
If you've been diagnosed with neutropenia, call your doctor right away if you develop signs of an infection, which may include:
- Fever above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C)
- Chills and sweats
- A new or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- A mouth sore
- A sore throat
- Any changes in urination
- A stiff neck
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Redness or swelling around any area where skin is broken or cut
- New vaginal discharge
- New pain
If you have neutropenia, your doctor may recommend measures to lessen your risk of infection, such as staying up to date on vaccinations, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, wearing a face mask, and avoiding large crowds and anyone with a cold or other contagious illness.
Show References
- AskMayoExpert. Neutropenia. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017.
- Neutropenia and risk for infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/preventinfections/neutropenia.htm. Accessed Dec. 4, 2018.
- Berliner N. Approach to the adult with unexplained neutropenia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 8, 2018.
- Goldman L, et al., eds. Leukocytosis and leukopenia. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 8, 2018.
- Bope ET, et al. Neutropenia. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2018. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 8, 2018.
- McPherson RA, et al., eds. Leukocytic disorders. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 8, 2018.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/neutropenia/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050854