What should be done if a child's complete blood count shows elevated white blood cells?
Disease description:
Today, I took my child to the hospital for a check-up. The test results showed elevated white blood cell count in the routine blood test, while the platelet and red blood cell counts were normal. I would like to ask, what should be done if a child's routine blood test shows elevated white blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
When a child's complete blood count shows elevated white blood cells, parents should first remain calm, as this may be a normal physiological phenomenon or may indicate an underlying disease. Physiological elevation is commonly seen after overeating, hunger, strenuous exercise, or emotional stress, and typically does not require special treatment, as the levels will return to normal on their own. If the white blood cell count remains persistently high and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and pain, pathological causes such as acute infection, tissue damage, acute bleeding, or blood disorders should be considered. In cases of pathologically elevated white blood cell counts, parents should promptly take the child to see a doctor for further examinations to determine the cause. According to the physician's recommendations, targeted treatment measures should be taken, such as administration of antibiotics, painkillers, or surgical intervention.
