About this topic
White blood cells are a part of the blood that help fight germs and other harmful foreign bodies. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow. They are very small, grain-like, and have vital proteins. ‚
Neutropenia is also called agranulocytosis. It happens when the bone marrow cannot make enough granulocytes or these cells are destroyed. Some causes of this are bone marrow disease, chemo, or bone marrow transplant. Some drugs are known to cause sudden neutropenia. Neutropenia can also be a sign of other more serious health problems like an infection, cancer, or a problem with your bodys own immune system. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to stop taking some drugs that may be causing your health problem.
- If you had a blood transfusion, keep the site where the needle was placed clean and dry.
- Your doctor may give you a mouthwash to help with bad breath or mouth sores. Use this each day after meals or at least 3 times a day.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- Your doctor may send you to other doctors.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help your bone marrow make more granulocytes
- Fight an infection
- Boost your immune system
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest if you are feeling tired or weak. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Stay away from foods that are too hard and may cause gum bleeding.
- Stay away from foods that may make mouth sores painful. Some of these foods are salty, spicy, or sour foods like chips, citrus fruits, and spices.
- Choose foods that are fully cooked and served very hot. Do not eat raw meats, seafood, chicken, or eggs.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Shock
- Kidney failure
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always ask your doctor first before taking any new drugs.
- After a bone marrow transplant, follow your doctors orders.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; wound that will not heal; or yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge from the puncture site.
- Trouble breathing
- Gum bleeding that will not stop
- Very bad mouth sores
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Avoid getting too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing your towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I will do to keep from getting sick.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, gum bleeding, or bad mouth sores.
Where can I learn more?
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/209/viewFullReport ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚