5 Major Negatives That Happen When Neutrophil Levels Are Too Low

Imagine having millions of tiny bodyguards that are constantly patrolling your body, ready to kick out any foreign troublemaker. These bodyguards are your white blood cells and neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that's like your immune system's first line of defense. But what happens when there aren't enough bodyguards on duty? 

Let's delve into the five major negatives that can occur when neutrophil levels, medically termed neutropenia, become too low. 

What Is Neutropenia? 

When you have a lower number of neutrophils than usual in your body, this condition is called neutropenia. The bone marrow creates neutrophils that travel through the bloodstream to the whole body. When you have neutropenia, your body has a harder time battling off bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can make you sick. 

What are the Types of Neutropenia? 

• Congenital Neutropenia: This type is present since the birth of the individual which is caused by genetic abnormalities and can become serious. People with it may experience recurrent infections from a young age.
  
  
• Cyclic Neutropenia : A rare type characterized by cyclical dips in neutrophil levels. Here, there is a periodical dip in neutrophil levels, generally of 21 days (about 3 weeks), and then going back to normal. However, there is an increased risk during the low levels.
  
  
• Autoimmune Neutropenia : This one is dangerous because the immune system starts to attack its own neutrophils by mistake. This can be caused by various underlying autoimmune diseases.
  
  
• Idiopathic Neutropenia : This one is the most common type of neutropenia but the reason behind this still hasn’t been found. The doctors suspect it might be linked to various factors like nutritional deficiencies or certain medications.
  
  
• Acquired Neutropenia : This type of Neutropenia may develop during a lifetime. The reason for this may be chemotherapy, any kind of infection, certain medication, etc. 

What are the Risks of Low Neutrophils?

• Infections Take Over
  
  Neutrophils are the first responders to any kind of infection. Other immune system cells help the body fight against these infections by engulfing harmful pathogens through a process called phagocytosis. However, when the normal level is down this critical defense mechanism becomes compromised. The body becomes vulnerable to invaders. This increased susceptibility can manifest bacterial infections, fungal infections, and sepsis. Because of these infections, one may experience these symptoms fever, chills, fatigue, pain, redness, and difficulty breathing.
  
  
• Delayed Healing
  
  After an injury, neutrophils help clear away damaged cells and debris, creating an environment for healing. However, with low levels of neutrophils, this process gets hampered. The person may experience slow wound healing, complications after surgeries, or Chronic inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  
  
• Mouth and Gum Infections
  
  The mouth is a natural harbor for various bacteria.  Neutrophils play a vital role in maintaining oral health by controlling these bacterial populations. The person may experience Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and the supporting bone and tissues (periodontitis), a fungal infection called oral thrush, characterized by white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks or mucositis.
  
  
• Nutritional Deficiencies
  
  This may lead to poor dietary intake or malnutrition. If this deficiency worsens, it may lead to other diseases.
  
  
• Complications in Cancer Treatment
  
  During cancer treatment, chemotherapy is powerful against cancer. It attacks the rapidly dividing cells during the procedure. However, the bone marrow that produces the neutrophils also has many rapidly dividing cells and attacking them while having neutropenia will result in a shortage of white blood cells. This will make the person vulnerable to infections and diseases. 

What is the Normal Neutrophils Value?

These neutrophils are produced in bone marrow, and they account for 50-70% of the bloodstream.  In an adult, a healthy white blood cell count usually falls between 4,500 and 11,000 per cubic millimeter of blood.  

Neutrophils are extremely important for your immune system, but having too many of them can be a sign of something wrong. When the number of neutrophils in your blood is abnormally high, it's called neutrophilic leukocytosis, also known as neutrophilia. 

What is the Testing Procedure for Neutropenia?

When someone is experiencing a range of symptoms related to infection, chronic illness, or injuries, such as fever, pain, and exhaustion then the doctor may take a blood test called Complete Blood Test (CBC). This helps in identifying specific groups of blood cells.

There will be some physical tests as well related to lifestyle and diet. 

If nothing is clear in these initial tests, the doctor may take the following tests: 

1. Urine Sample 
2. Blood Culture 
3. CT Scan 
4. A Chest X-Ray 

After the test, if the levels of the blood cells appear in a significant amount, the doctor may request a bone marrow sample.  

Conclusion

Neutrophils are crucial for staying healthy. If you experience any symptoms do consult a doctor and get the immediate tests as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help prevent serious conditions and worsening of the situation.