What should be done if a child has high blood cell counts?
Disease description:
My little niece caught a chill when she went back to our hometown. At first, she had a runny nose, then she started coughing. After taking medication for a week, she still hasn't recovered. A blood test at the hospital showed a high white blood cell count. I would like to ask, what should be done for a child with a high white blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
When a child presents with high blood cell counts, parents should take the following measures for management and treatment:
1. Understand the cause: Elevated blood cell counts may be caused by strenuous exercise, common cold, tonsillitis, acute gastroenteritis, or leukemia. Parents should carefully observe the child's symptoms to make a preliminary assessment of the cause.
2. Bacterial infection: For conditions such as tonsillitis or acute gastroenteritis, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cephalosporins may be used as treatment.
3. Viral infection: For viral infections such as the common cold, antiviral medications such as ribavirin or oseltamivir may be administered.
4. Leukemia: Special treatments under a doctor's instructions are required, such as the use of immunosuppressants or chemotherapeutic agents.
5. Lifestyle adjustment: Maintain good sleeping habits, follow a balanced diet, and enhance the child's immunity.
The treatment for elevated blood cell counts in children should be based on the specific underlying cause. Parents should remain calm and seek timely medical attention.
