Neutropenia Patient Education

What is Neutropenia?

Neutropenia means you have fewer white blood cells called neutrophils. These cells help fight infections. When your neutrophils are low, your body can’t fight germs well.

Causes and Risk Factors

Certain medicines, like chemotherapy drugs
Some infections
Autoimmune diseases (when your body attacks itself)
Bone marrow problems
Vitamin deficiencies
Certain cancers
Genetic conditions (rare)
Radiation therapy

Signs and Symptoms

Often no symptoms until infection occurs
Fever or chills
Sore throat or mouth sores
Cough or trouble breathing
Burning or pain when urinating
Redness, swelling, or pain anywhere on your body
Fatigue or weakness

Early Warning Signs

Feeling warm or feverish
New cough or sore throat
Any sign of infection (redness, swelling, pain)

Complications if Untreated or Noncompliance

Severe infections that can spread quickly
Hospitalization
Sepsis (a life-threatening body-wide infection)
Delay or changes in cancer treatment (if applicable)

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Take all medicines as prescribed
Practice good hygiene: wash hands often
Avoid large crowds or sick people
Clean cuts and wounds carefully and watch for infection
Eat safe foods to avoid foodborne illness
Get plenty of rest and fluids
Keep all doctor appointments and blood tests

Common Types of Medications

Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections
Growth factors (like filgrastim) to help your bone marrow make more neutrophils
Adjusting or stopping medicines causing neutropenia
Sometimes steroids or other immune medicines

Purpose and Side Effects of Medications

Antibiotics fight infections but can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions
Growth factors boost white cells but may cause bone pain or fever
Always tell your doctor about side effects

Dietary Needs

Eat well-cooked, clean foods
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy
Wash fruits and vegetables well
Drink plenty of clean water

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid contact with sick people
Do not share personal items
Avoid gardening or cleaning pet waste to reduce infection risk
Avoid alcohol and smoking to help your immune system

Safety Considerations

Monitor temperature regularly
Check for any signs of infection daily
Use good hand hygiene
Report symptoms promptly

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Stay up to date on vaccines (ask your doctor which are safe)
Follow all medical advice carefully
Keep emergency contacts handy
Learn how to care for yourself and when to get help

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor If:

You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
New or worsening cough, sore throat, or mouth sores
Redness, swelling, pain, or pus around any wound or body part
Burning or pain with urination
Any other signs of infection
Feeling very weak or tired

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately If:

Fever is very high (above 102°F or 39°C) or lasts more than 1 hour
Severe chills or shaking
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Confusion or severe weakness
Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
Severe pain or swelling that worsens quickly

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Mark True or False. If False, please write the correct statement.

True or False: Neutropenia means you have too many white blood cells.
True or False: Having neutropenia increases your risk of infection.
True or False: Fever is an important sign of infection in neutropenia.
True or False: You should avoid large crowds and sick people if you have neutropenia.
True or False: You can eat raw eggs and unpasteurized dairy safely when you have neutropenia.
True or False: Washing your hands often helps prevent infections.
True or False: You should take all your medicines as prescribed, even if you feel fine.
True or False: Growth factor medicines can help increase your white blood cell count.
True or False: If you have a fever, you should wait and see if it goes away before calling your doctor.
True or False: Bone pain can be a side effect of growth factor medicines.
True or False: You do not need to report mouth sores or sore throat if you have neutropenia.
True or False: It is safe to share personal items with others when you have neutropenia.
True or False: You should avoid gardening or cleaning pet waste to reduce infection risk.
True or False: Drinking plenty of water is important for people with neutropenia.
True or False: You should immediately go to the emergency room if your fever is above 102°F.
True or False: You should keep all your medical appointments and lab tests.
True or False: Smoking and alcohol do not affect your immune system.
True or False: Neutropenia can be caused by some medicines and treatments.
True or False: Feeling tired or weak can be a symptom of neutropenia.
True or False: It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any side effects from medicines.

Individualized Questions for Patients

What was the date of your last complete blood count (CBC) test?
What is your current white blood cell or neutrophil count?
Are you taking any growth factor or antibiotic medicines?
Have you noticed any side effects from your medications?
Do you avoid crowds and sick people?
How often do you check your temperature?
What steps do you take to practice good hand hygiene?
Are you experiencing any symptoms like fever, cough, or sores?
What foods do you avoid to reduce infection risk?
When was your last visit with your healthcare provider?