Granulocytopenia, which is a lowered level of granulocytes in the blood, alarms the body that something serious is happening. Unfortunately, the symptoms of granulocytopenia are easy to overlook. Find out what to do so that granulocytopenia does not catch you by surprise, and if it does, how to fight it.
Granulocytopeniais a lowered level of granulocytes in the blood. The correct content of these leukocytes (granulocytes are a type of white blood cells, i.e. leukocytes) should be from 2.5 thousand. up to 6.5 thousand in 1 mm³ of blood. It was assumed that 1.5 thousand is the value below which a he alth risk already exists. Although granulocytopenia is not dangerous in itself, its neglect can lead to very serious consequences - agranulocytosis, and even sepsis.
Granulocytopenia can have basically three versions as there are three types of granulocytes - neutrophils (neutrophils), basophils (basophils) and eosinophils (eosinophils). Their deficiencies are called neutropenia, basopenia and eosinopenia, respectively. However, since most granulocytes are neutrophils, granulocytopenia is usually synonymous with neutropenia.
Symptoms of granulocytopenia
Granulocytopenia may be asymptomatic or so nonspecific that it is even difficult to notice. However, it should give us food for thought when catching an infection frequently, because granulocytes contain enzymes that destroy pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. So, if we are losing our immunity, this may be the cause. In addition, granulocytopenia may include:
- headaches
- increased body temperature
- ulcerative lesions in the mouth
- enlarged lymph nodes
- general depressed well-being and fatigue
Advice for those who are lingeringIn fact, we can find out if we have the correct level of granulocytes in our blood mainly thanks to the systematic (once a year) blood count. If you are in good general he alth and you don't waste the time of going to the doctor just to get a referral for a basic blood test, you can do it on your own (in the morning, on an empty stomach). Even the results are not difficult to judge on your own, as there is always a reference range next to them. If anyclearly abnormal - then go to the doctor. This is a very useful test, from which you can read a lot, and which, in addition, is not expensive (about PLN 8).
Causes of granulocytopenia
A granulocyte deficiency can have many different causes. It usually results from a viral or bacterial infection, e.g. skin, lungs, very often the throat, or leukemia. The second important factor leading to granulocytopenia is the use of some medication. It should be noted that the deficiency of these leukocytes accounts for 40% of all drug-induced haematological complications. Drugs such as:
- painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. acetylcalicylic acid, diclofenac, metamizole, ibuprofen, paracetamol)
- chemotherapeutic (e.g. levamisole, sulfonamides, metronidazole)
- antiepileptics (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates)
- antihistamines (e.g. cimetidine, methiamide)
- antithyroid (e.g. thiamazole)
- anti-diabetic (e.g. chlorpropamide)
- psychotropic (e.g. diazepam, chlorpromazine)
- and also e.g. ethanol, dextran, histamine, nitrous oxide, colloidal iron
More drugs potentially causing granulocytopenia can be found at www.czytelniamedyczna.pl Sometimes, granulocytopenia is genetically inherited, it may be the result of, for example, Kotzot-Richter syndrome, which is manifested, among others, by lack of pigmentation of the skin and eyes and disorders of the immune system. The decrease in the level of granulocytes can also occur after radiotherapy or as a result of contact with toxic substances, such as, for example, benzene, xylene, toluene and other organic solvents, crude oil, gasoline and other its derivatives, paints and varnishes, insecticidal, herbicidal and fungicidal pesticides , asph alt. Of course, not every person, e.g. contact with asph alt will cause granulocytopenia, the reaction depends on the individual sensitivity and susceptibility of the organism.
Treatment of granulocytopenia
Treatment of granulocytopenia is mainly about eliminating contact with the factor that leads to it. For example, if a drop in the level of granulocytes is caused by pesticides in a given patient, he should avoid eating vegetables and fruits of unknown origin, and choose those from organic crops, not sprayed or fertilized. If the granulocytopenia is caused by the drug, a specialist should advise its discontinuation or replacement with another. In more severe cases, antibiotics, adrenal cortex hormones, bone marrow stimulants (it is responsible for the production of granulocytes), as well as B vitamins are used.