White blood cell deficiencies
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 white blood cells to fight germs effectively.
Symptoms associated with an infection can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- chills and shivering
- headaches
- sweating
- facial flushing
- a sore throat or mouth
- mouth ulcers
- swollen glands
- a lack of energy
- flu -like symptoms
In some people, infections can spread quickly through the body and can lead to alife-threatening condition called sepsis . In addition to some of the above symptoms, sepsis can also causea fast heartbeat and fast breathing.
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
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products