Neutropenia is a common symptom after chemotherapy, which can increase the risk of infection. In this article, through 8 questions and 8 answers, chemotherapy patients can have a deeper understanding and learn how to prevent and deal with neutropenia after chemotherapy. 1.What is neutropenia? Neutropenia is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. These cells are the main defenders of the body against viruses. Neutropenia is a common symptom after chemotherapy and can increase the risk of infection. 2. Why does chemotherapy cause neutropenia? Anti-cancer drugs work by killing rapidly growing cells in the body – both good and bad cells. These anti-cancer drugs kill both cancer cells and healthy white blood cells. 3. How do I know if I have neutropenia? Your supervising doctor or nurse will tell you. Neutropenia is a common symptom after chemotherapy and your doctor in charge will draw blood to test for neutropenia. 4. When is neutropenia most likely to occur? Neutropenia usually occurs within 7 to 12 days after receiving chemotherapy, and this cycle may vary depending on the chemotherapy drug. Your doctor and nurse in charge will tell you when your white blood cells are likely to be at their lowest level. You should stay carefully for signs and symptoms of infection during this time. 5. What are the signs and symptoms of infection? In neutropenic patients, even very mild infections can become very serious very quickly. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: (1) Fever, with a temperature of ≥38°C for up to 1 hour or a single episode of ≥38.5°C (2) Chills, sweating (3) Cough or change in the nature of the existing cough (4) Sore throat (5) Shortness of breath (6) Nasal congestion (7) Stiff neck (8) Painful urination (9) Abnormal vaginal discharge (10) Frequent urination (11) Redness, swelling, heat, and pain in any area (12) Diarrhea (13) Vomiting (14) Abdominal or rectal pain (15) New onset of pain (16) Changes in the skin, urination, or mental status 6. How to prevent neutropenia? There may be very little a patient can do about preventing neutropenia from occurring, but you can reduce the risk of infection. For specialized knowledge, interested parties can click here: febrile neutropenia 7.How to prevent infection? In addition to cooperating with your doctor for treatment, you should also do the following: (1) Wash your hands frequently (2) Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people (3) Do not share food, cups, utensils, or other daily necessities such as toothbrushes (4) Shower or bathe every day and use a mild lotion to prevent your skin from drying out and cracking (5) Boil meats and eggs to ensure that the bacteria are killed (6) Wash fruits and vegetables carefully ( (7) Wear gloves when cleaning up pet feces to prevent contact with the skin and wash your hands immediately afterward (8) Wear gloves when gardening (9) Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums, and mouthwash to prevent mouth ulcers, if recommended by your doctor or nurse (10) Try to keep the surfaces of your furniture as clean as possible (11) Get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible (11) What do you say to your doctor if you go to the emergency room? Patients receiving chemotherapy should not stay in the waiting room for too long. A fever while you are receiving chemotherapy can be a sign of an infection, and infections can quickly become serious. When you check into the hospital, tell them right away that you are receiving chemotherapy and have a fever. This can be a sign of infection.