| Infection and Chemotherapy—Diagnosis and Prevention
Low White Blood Count and Febrile Neutropenia— Diagnosing Infection
Fever is a sign of infection, sometimes the only sign. If you develop low white blood cell count and fever (temperature higher than 100.4° F or 38° C), febrile neutropenia, notify your doctor immediately. A low white blood cell count can place you at risk for infection. During chemotherapy, infection can be life-threatening.
While on chemotherapy, you should take your temperature every day—and record it in your progress chart, which is one of your Tools for Organizing Your Cancer Information.
An infection can occur in any number of places throughout the body. Specific symptoms can indicate the site of your infection and help target your treatment.
| Location |
Symptoms |
| Bladder |
Painful urination |
| Gastrointestinal tract |
Diarrhea, cramping |
| Rectum |
Rectal bleeding, pain while defecating |
| Respiratory system |
Cough, congestion, yellow or green sputum (fluid coughed up from lungs) |
| Sinus |
Sinus pain, congestion, headache |
| Skin |
Redness, pain, tenderness or swelling near a cut |
| Systemic (throughout body) |
Flu-like symptoms |
Infections may be serious and can delay your treatment. Be proactive and speak with your health care professional about how to reduce your risk of a low white blood cell count and infection during chemo.
Low White Blood Count—Preventing Infection
Would you prefer to prevent infection rather than have to deal with a potential infection? Your first line of defense should always be prevention. Take these simple but effective steps to help protect against infection triggered by low number of white blood cells:
- Always wash your hands with soap and plenty of water. Many infections are transmitted through hands and things that you touch, such as doorknobs. Washing your hands thoroughly is the most important thing you can do to prevent infection.
- Avoid people with colds or the flu.
- Avoid large crowds to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with sick people.
- Bathe daily and carefully dry your skin.
- Take steps to prevent cuts or scrapes, as these provide entry points for infection:
- Use an electric razor instead of a blade to avoid cuts.
- Use caution with sharp objects.
- Wear gloves when possible.
- If you have a cut or scrape, keep it covered with a clean bandage until it heals.
- Prevent cracks in your skin by using lotion.
- Cook your food thoroughly to kill any potential microorganisms that may be on raw food.
Ask your doctor if they need to prepare you for chemotherapy by lowering your risk for infection with a white blood cell booster.
Be Proactive Against Infection and Chemo Treatment Interruptions
Cancer Patients receiving chemotherapy may be at risk of a low white blood cell count, especially those who already have a low count or who have previously received chemo or radiation treatment. Patients who are older or patients with other conditions may be at risk of more severe infection and longer hospitalizations.
Being proactive is one of the best ways to help protect from the risks associated with a low white cell count.
More than 50% of febrile neutropenic events occur in the first cycle of chemotherapy.38 Yet many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy develop a dangerously low white cell count, placing them at risk of infection which could affect their cancer treatment plan.15-17, 38
Fortunately, with today's medical technology, scientists have developed white blood cell boosters to increase white blood cell production and help chemo patients reduce their risk for infection. Learn about which white blood cell booster is right for you.
UNDERSTANDING CANCER
TREATING CANCER WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
TREATING CANCER IN OTHER WAYS
TRACKING YOUR TEST RESULTS
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND TAX ISSUES: INSURANCE TIPS
WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CANCER INFORMATION
FOR CAREGIVERS
GLOSSARY OF CANCER TERMS
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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