What is Low Neutrophil in Babies?

Low neutrophils in infants can be seen due to various reasons. In this article, we have answered many questions such as what is low neutrophils, what causes it and what should be done for its treatment.

Let’s find out first: What is a neutrophil?

Neutrophil, also known as neu, is a type of white blood cell that fights foreign substances that pose a threat to the immune system. In particular, it fights infections. It spreads enzymes that can kill microorganisms such as bacteria and microbes in the body, and thus starts a war against many diseases. The difference between neutrophils and other white blood cells is that they can circulate not only in the bone marrow where they are produced, but also in organs and tissues to fight antigens. So, so to speak, we can say that neutrophils patrol our body.

If low neutrophils are detected in a body, there may be a serious week or an infection underlying it.

What should be the neutrophil reference range in infants?

The ideal value of neutrophils in infants should be 1500 mc. If the neutrophil level drops below 1500 mc in infants, a distressing situation can be mentioned. Low neutrophils are called neutropenia.

• 1000-1500 mc mild neutropenia,
• 500-1000 mc moderate neutropenia,
• It means severe neutropenia under 500 mc.

What causes low neutrophils in babies?

• Bone marrow does not produce enough neutrophils
• Anemia,
• Presence of infection, bacterial or viral reasons,
• immune system diseases,
• Cancer types that can be seen in children such as lymphoma, leukemia,
• Malnutrition,
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Frequent use of antibiotics is one of the main causes of low neutrophils.

What are the symptoms of low neutrophils in babies?

Low neutrophils usually do not give any specific symptoms. However, the symptoms of the disease that caused this miscarriage can be seen. Among them;

• High fever,
• Weakness,
• skin wounds,
• Stomach ache,
• Shortness of breath,
• Cough,
• diarrhea,
• sores in the throat and mouth,
• gum swelling,
• There are situations such as frequent urination.

How is low neutrophil detected?

If a disease is suspected, tests such as blood test and complete blood count are performed to detect it. These tests usually show low neutrophils. In some special cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed.

How to raise neutrophils in babies? How is neutropenia treated?

If the level of neutropenia is not very critical, there is usually no need to do anything, the level can return to normal on its own. However, neutrophil levels usually improve when the underlying disease or cause of the problem is resolved. If the neutrophil level is severely decreased, supplemental drugs can be used to increase the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow.

Which foods increase neutrophils?

Other than medication or appropriate treatment, some foods can help increase neutrophil levels. Among them;

• Foods containing Omega-3 found in fish, leafy green vegetables and oilseeds,
• Zinc-containing foods such as cheese and yogurt
• Protein-containing foods such as red meat, chicken, eggs,
• Shellfish and offal containing selenium,
• Foods containing vitamin C such as lemon, orange, kiwi, strawberry, green pepper,
• There are drinks that fight infections like green tea. You can add foods suitable for your baby’s age among these and add them to the nutrition list.