Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

Overview

Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight bacteria. When they're low, even small infections can become serious fast.

Chemotherapy is the most common cause. Some people are born with mildly low counts that are normal for them.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Low white blood cell count

Less common

• Frequent infections
• Mouth sores
• Sore throat

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Chemo, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Chemo

Diagnosis

Blood count.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood count:

Treatment

Prevent infection.

Self-care

• Wash hands
• Avoid sick people
• Take your temperature if you feel unwell
• Avoid raw meat, raw eggs, and unwashed produce if your count is very low
• Keep cuts clean

Prevention

• Handwashing

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a hematologist (blood doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Some Black and Middle Eastern people: Naturally lower counts can be normal.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Often recovers.

Counts often recover after treatment ends.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• How low is my count?
• Do I need a white cell booster shot?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)