Absolute neutrophil count is a rough estimation of the number of disease fighting white blood cells present in one's blood. Knowledge of this enables one to know their vulnerability to infections and diseases. White blood cells are also called leucocytes and are further on sub-divided into five types:
The absolute neutrophil count is commonly referred to as (ANC). An individual's absolute neutrophil count is very important because it shows a more accurate measure of the risk that one is exposed to infections than the white blood cells. It determines the status of your immune system. It also shows if you are subject to certain treatments.
A person with an absolute neutrophil low has a low count of neutrophils and is said to be suffering from neutropenia, subsequently neutropenic. The absolute neutrophil count usually depends on age, sex, and population group. Usually, children have higher levels of neutrophils and low levels of lymphocytes as compared to adults.
Absolute neutrophil counts are carried out in all hospitals so as to detect people with the absolute neutrophils low and deal with it effectively. One is diagnosed with absolute neutrophil low when the absolute neutrophil count is between 0-500, this person is said to be undergoing severe neutropenia. People with normal absolute neutrophil counts have an average count, which ranges in between 1500-2000 or above that figure. Neutropenia is a very usual side effect witnessed by people diagnosed with leukemia and are undergoing chemotherapy.
The signs and symptoms of neutropenia are:
Chemotherapy is a major cause of the absolute neutrophils low or rather neutropenia. After every round of chemotherapy, the levels of neutrophil in the white blood cells begin to drop. They later on return to normal but by then the body is undergoing the second round of chemotherapy, causing a domino effect, and leading to neutropenia in the long run.
There are various medications used to deal with absolute neutrophils low. These medicines increase the number of neutrophils being produced by the body and therefore regulate the absolute neutrophil count. Medications used to deal with neutropenia have adverse side effects on the consumers. Some of these side effects are bone pains, muscle strains, fevers, and even chest pains. The serious side effects include shortness of breath and swollen arms and legs.
To avoid these side effects, there are various techniques that one can put into place. Drinking plenty of fluids greatly reduce the mild fever, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided by the victims all the same. The bone and muscle pains can be relieved by massage and relaxation so as to avoid sustained pressure on this parts and ease of the pain.
To stay healthy and avoid infections, one should:
Absolute neutrophil count is important in today's society so as to take prior treatment before it is ever too late.