Does having three plus signs for white blood cells in stool require hospitalization?

Three plus signs for white blood cells in stool do not necessarily require hospitalization; the decision should be based on the severity of the illness.

During a stool test, three plus signs for white blood cells may indicate an intestinal infection caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella. This condition commonly causes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. If the illness is mild and the child is in good spirits with normal body temperature, hospitalization is generally not required. Instead, under a doctor's guidance, anti-inflammatory medications such as cefixime, levofloxacin, or amoxicillin are typically prescribed to help control inflammation and promote recovery. However, if symptoms such as lethargy or dehydration occur during the illness, timely hospitalization is necessary to provide intravenous fluids and injectable anti-inflammatory drugs to effectively alleviate the condition.

It is recommended that individuals with symptoms of enteritis drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and maintain a light, bland diet during the illness.