What causes high white blood cell count and low platelet count?
May 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
High white blood cell count and low platelet count may be caused by medication effects, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment after identifying the underlying cause. If you are taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, they may directly affect platelet production or function, leading to the aforementioned condition.
Under normal circumstances, elevated white blood cells with low platelets may be caused by medication effects, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Medication effects
If anticoagulant medications such as warfarin sodium tablets are being used, they may directly affect platelet production or function, leading to the aforementioned condition. Symptoms such as skin petechiae (bleeding spots), hematuria (blood in urine), or black stools may also occur. It is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to adjust the dosage or switch to alternative medications.
2. Upper respiratory tract infection
Bacterial infection may trigger the body's immune system, potentially causing elevated platelet counts. Symptoms such as fever and cough may also appear. Under medical guidance, medications such as cefaclor granules, paracetamol-phenylephrine-chlorpheniramine maleate granules, or acetaminophen tablets can be used for treatment.
3. Pneumonia
May be caused by bacterial or viral infections, which could suppress platelet production in the bone marrow, resulting in elevated white blood cells and low platelets. Symptoms may include cough, sputum production, fever, and chest pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as cefixime tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride tablets, or ribavirin granules can be used for treatment.
4. Systemic lupus erythematosus
Usually caused by abnormal autoimmune responses, this condition may lead the immune system to mistakenly attack normal body tissues, resulting in increased white blood cell count and reduced platelet count. Symptoms such as rashes and erythema may also occur. Treatment may include azathioprine tablets, cyclosporine soft capsules, or tacrolimus capsules, as prescribed by a physician.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Generally caused by abnormal autoimmune activity, it may lead to poor local circulation, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. Joint swelling and morning stiffness may also accompany the condition. Under medical guidance, treatments such as Qingpeng ointment, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or azathioprine tablets may be used.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is recommended, such as going to bed early and waking up early, aiming to fall asleep before 11 p.m. each night, avoiding staying up late, and ensuring sufficient sleep.
