White blood cell deficiencies
Seeking medical advice
Most peopleat risk ofagranulocytosis or neutropenia should already be aware of signs to look out for, and will have beentold what to do ifthey experience them.
For example, if you have been having chemotherapy, your cancer care team may have given you a telephone number you can call if you experience any problems, such as a high temperature.
If you know you are at risk ofthese white blood cell deficienciesand you start to feel unwell, it's important to contact your doctor or care team immediately.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and should be assessed by a doctor in hospitalas soon as possible so appropriate treatment canbe started quickly.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection. 'Agranulocytosis' and 'neutropenia' are terms often used to describe a deficiency of these cells.
What causesagranulocytosis and neutropenia?
Agranulocytosis and neutropenia usually occur later in life, as the result of another condition or treatment(acquired), but can sometimes be present from birth (congenital). Depending on the cause, y
Signs and symptoms
Most people with agranulocytosis or neutropenia will not have any obvious symptoms. However, these conditions may mean you are more vulnerable to picking up infections because you don't have enough w
Seeking medical advice
Most peopleat risk ofagranulocytosis or neutropenia should already be aware of signs to look out for, and will have beentold what to do ifthey experience them. For example, if you have been having ch
Diagnosing andmanaging agranulocytosis and neutropenia
If your doctor suspects youhave agranulocytosis or neutropenia, they will carry out a blood test to check the level ofwhite blood cellsin your blood. Ifone of these conditionsis diagnosed,the treatm
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