Neutropenia is a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils, neutrophils being a type of white blood cell (specifically a form of granulocyte) filled with neutrally-staining granules, tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed by phagocytosis.
Signs and symptoms of neutropenia include gum pain and swelling, skin abscesses, recurrent ear and sinus infections, sore mouth, low-grad fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, and pain and irritation around the rectal area.
Neutropenia has numerous causes, for example, infections (HIV, TB, mono); medications (chemotherapy); vitamin deficiencies (anemia); bone marrow diseases (leukemias), radiation therapy, autoimmune destruction of neutrophils, and hypersplenism.
Treatment of neutropenia depends upon the cause and the health of the patient.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) Corticosteroid
- ipratropium bromide inhaler (Atrovent)
- budesonide (oral inhalation, Pulmicort, Pulmicort Flexhaler)
- montelukast, Singulair
- albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua)
- Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler)
- filgrastim (Neupogen)
- zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Side Effects of Neupogen (filgrastim)
- procainamide, Pronestyl; Procan-SR; Procanbid (These brands no longer are available in the U.S.)
- Side Effects of Leukine (sargramostim)
- Udenyca (pegfilgrastim-cbqv)
Prevention & Wellness
- Xpovio With Dexamethasone Approved for Refractory Multiple Myeloma
- Chemoimmunotherapy Regimen Approved to Treat DLBCL
- 1st 'Biosimilar' OK'd to Prevent Chemo-Related Infections
- Drug Might Help Some Babies With Rare, Fatal Disease
- New Drug May Brighten Outlook for Advanced Breast Cancer
- Certain Autoimmune Drugs in Pregnancy May Up Newborn Infection Risk: Study
- New Drug Regimens May Slow Advanced Breast Cancer
- New Drug Approved for Lack of Certain White Blood Cells
- More Aggressive Chemo May Help Younger Lymphoma Patients: Study
- Breast Cancer Drug Eribulin Extends Survival
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