Neutropenia is a common symptom after chemotherapy, which can increase the risk of infection. In this article, through 7 questions and 7 answers, chemotherapy patients can have a better understanding and learn how to prevent and cope with neutropenia after chemotherapy.
1.What is neutropenia?
Neutropenia is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. These cells are the body’s main defenders 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 cells and bad cells. These anti-cancer drugs kill both cancer cells and healthy white blood cells.
3. How do I know that my neutrophils are reduced?
Your supervising doctor or nurse will tell you. Neutropenia is a common symptom after chemotherapy, and your supervising doctor 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 supervising physician and nurse will inform you when your white blood cells are likely to be at their lowest level. You should carefully stay 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 quickly become serious. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop the following symptoms.
(1) Fever, temperature ≥ 38 °C for up to 1 hour or a single temperature ≥ 38.5 °C.
(2) Chills and sweating.
(3) cough or change in the nature of the existing cough.
(4) Sore throat.
(5) shortness of breath.
(6) Nasal congestion.
(7) stiffness in the neck.
(8) Painful urination.
(9) Abnormal vaginal discharge.
(10) Frequent urination.
(11) Redness, swelling, and pain in any area.
(12) Diarrhea.
(13) Vomiting.
(14) Pain in the abdomen or rectum.
(15) New onset of pain.
(16) Skin, urination or mental changes.
6. How can neutropenia be prevented?
There may be little that patients can do about preventing neutropenia, but you can reduce the risk of infection.
7.How can I prevent infections?
In addition to cooperating with your doctor’s treatment, you should do the following.
(1) Wash your hands regularly.
(2) Avoid going to crowded places and avoid contact with patients as much as possible.
(3) Do not share food, cups, utensils or other daily necessities such as toothbrushes with others.
(4) Shower or bathe daily and use mild lotions to prevent dry and cracked skin.
(5) Cook meat and eggs to ensure that bacteria are killed.
(6) Wash fruits and vegetables carefully.
(7) Wear gloves when cleaning up pet waste to prevent contact with skin, and wash hands immediately after cleaning up.
(8) Wear gloves when doing gardening.
(9) Use a soft toothbrush to clean teeth and gums, and use mouthwash to prevent mouth ulcers if recommended by a doctor or nurse
(10) Keep furniture surfaces as clean as possible
(11) Get a flu vaccination as soon as possible.