As parents, our children’s health is certainly our top priority, Moms. One health issue that children can experience is a high white blood cell count or leukocytes.
Leukocytes are an important part of the immune system. There are 5 types of leukocytes in the body: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. These five types of leukocytes essentially serve to fight infections and protect the body from harmful pathogens.
The leukocyte count can vary according to age and health condition. Generally, the normal leukocyte count in children ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 cells per microliter of blood. What happens if the leukocyte count is high? What are the causes and what symptoms might the child experience? Let’s take a look at the explanation below, Moms!
Causes of High Leukocyte Count in Children
A high leukocyte count is called leukocytosis. An elevated leukocyte count can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is infection. When the body fights an infection, the bone marrow produces more leukocytes to combat the disease-causing pathogens. This is a natural body response that indicates the immune system is working well.
In addition to infections, other conditions such as physical or emotional stress, inflammation, allergic reactions, or the use of certain medications can also trigger an increase in leukocytes. For example, a child who has recently suffered an injury or undergone surgery may show an increase in leukocyte levels as part of the healing process.
Another more serious but rare cause is a chronic disease or bone marrow disorder. Problems with the bone marrow can cause the production of leukocytes to be too high. In some cases, leukemia, which is blood cancer that attacks white blood cells, can be the reason behind the high leukocyte count. If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious complications.
Symptoms of High Leukocyte Count to Watch Out For
The symptoms of high leukocyte count are often directly related to the underlying condition. For instance, if an infection is the cause, your little one may show symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or a sore throat. These symptoms indicate that the body is trying to fight the infection.
In some cases, a child with high leukocyte levels may experience symptoms such as excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or the appearance of unusual bruising. These symptoms may indicate more serious health problems and require immediate medical attention.
However, in some cases, high leukocyte levels may not show obvious symptoms. Therefore, regular check-ups and consultations with a doctor are important to detect changes in your child’s health that may have been overlooked.
What to Do if Leukocyte Levels Are High?
If test results show that your child’s leukocyte count is high, there are a few steps you can take. First, consult with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and understand the exact cause. The doctor may recommend further tests such as blood tests or a thorough physical examination to confirm the cause of the high leukocyte count.
If an infection is the cause, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help the immune system fight the infection. It’s important to follow the treatment as directed by the doctor and ensure your child gets enough rest and proper nutrition to speed up recovery.
That’s the cause of high leukocyte levels in children and the symptoms they show. By knowing this, Moms can detect issues with your child early before they develop into more serious conditions.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to your child’s diet and habits. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining personal hygiene can help strengthen the immune system and prevent increased leukocyte levels due to infections.
