White blood cell deficiencies
Introduction
Granulocytes are a typeof white blood cell that help fight infection. 'A granulocytosis ' and 'neutropenia' are terms often used to describe a deficiency of these cells. However, the two terms shouldn't be used interchangeably, as they describe slightly different conditions. agranulocytosis is the term used when the bone marrow (soft tissue inside bone) fails to make enough granulocytes neutropenia is the term used when the bone marrow fails to make enough of a specific group ofgranulocytes called neutrophils Although these conditions are slightly different, theytend toshare many similar causes and symptoms, and are often treated in a similar way.
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Introduction
Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection. 'Agranulocytosis' and 'neutropenia' are terms often used to describe a deficiency of these cells.
What causesagranulocytosis and neutropenia?
Agranulocytosis and neutropenia usually occur later in life, as the result of another condition or treatment(acquired), but can sometimes be present from birth (congenital). Depending on the cause, y
Signs and symptoms
Most people with agranulocytosis or neutropenia will not have any obvious symptoms. However, these conditions may mean you are more vulnerable to picking up infections because you don't have enough w
Seeking medical advice
Most peopleat risk ofagranulocytosis or neutropenia should already be aware of signs to look out for, and will have beentold what to do ifthey experience them. For example, if you have been having ch
Diagnosing andmanaging agranulocytosis and neutropenia
If your doctor suspects youhave agranulocytosis or neutropenia, they will carry out a blood test to check the level ofwhite blood cellsin your blood. Ifone of these conditionsis diagnosed,the treatm
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