How Do I Determine If Leukemia Has Become Infected?

Diagnosis of Infection in Leukemia Patients

The diagnosis of infection in leukemia patients primarily relies on a comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms, signs, and laboratory test results. If symptoms of respiratory infection such as fever, cough, and expectoration arise, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for further examination. Here's a breakdown:

1. Clinical Symptoms

Due to their compromised immune function, leukemia patients are susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, manifesting primarily as fever, cough, and expectoration. Additionally, they may experience upper respiratory tract infection symptoms like nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sore throat, as well as gastrointestinal infection symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

2. Signs

Upon the presence of these infection symptoms, further examination is necessary, including blood routine tests and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. Elevated white blood cell counts and neutrophil ratios in blood routine tests suggest possible bacterial infection. Conversely, significantly increased lymphocyte ratios indicate potential viral infection. Radiological imaging may also be used to observe for inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs or mesenteric lymphadenopathy in the abdomen.

3. Laboratory Tests

Beyond physical signs, a comprehensive analysis must incorporate laboratory test results. CRP, an acute-phase reactant produced by the body during infection, significantly increases in concentration. Elevated CRP levels suggest bacterial infection, whereas viral infections generally do not lead to notable CRP elevations. Leukemia patients experiencing the aforementioned conditions should promptly seek medical attention.

For bacterial infections, antibiotic treatment as prescribed by a doctor, such as cefixime capsules, is necessary. In cases of viral infections, antiviral medications like ribavirin granules should be administered under medical supervision.