The level of leukocytes, determined by a clinical analysis of the child's blood, shows the state of the children's immune system. Its increase, called leukocytosis, helps diagnose various diseases, so parents should know what health problems can cause leukocytosis and what to do if a daughter's or son's blood test showed an overestimated number of white blood cells.
What is the level of leukocytes considered elevated
Normally, the maximum level of leukocytes is observed in newborns, and then it gradually decreases. The upper limit of the normal indicator at different ages is considered:
If the result on the child's test form exceeds these numbers, it is considered leukocytosis. Such an increase is the reason for additional examination in order to identify the cause of the higher number of white cells, as well as their ratio, called the leukocyte formula.
Causes of an elevated white blood cell count
White blood cells can be elevated both in diseases and in healthy children who have been affected by several factors. In most cases, an increase in leukocytes with a disease is due to the activation of the child's immune system, which often occurs with infections, autoimmune processes, trauma and other problems.
Dr. Evgeny Komarovsky will tell you more about the reasons for the increased level of leukocytes in the baby's blood:
Physiological leukocytosis
A non-dangerous increase in the number of white blood cells is observed:
- After eating.
- After physical exertion.
- After crying or scaring a nursing baby.
- After an emotional overload.
- After a hot bath.
If the child is affected by any of these factors, nothing needs to be done, as the leukocytes will return to normal on their own after a few hours. Their effect is important to consider when taking blood for a general analysis.
Diseases in which leukocytes are elevated
If the blood test was done according to the rules, an increase in leukocytes will indicate a pathological process in the child's body. An indicator above the norm is typical for such pathologies:
- Purulent infections, for example, meningitis, otitis media, appendicitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, pneumonia, and others. With abscesses or sepsis, the level of leukocytes rises several times.
- Inflammatory diseases for example, chronic intestinal inflammation or arthritis.
- Poisoning spoiled food, heavy metals, medicines and other poisons.
- Viral infections, for example, bronchitis, acute respiratory viral infections, rubella, hepatitis.
- Allergic diseases.
- Infection with fungi and protozoa.
- Rheumatism.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Burns.
- Injuries.
- Blood lossas well as blood transfusion.
- Oncological diseases.
- Bone marrow lesions.
- Splenectomy.
Also, an increased level of leukocytes is detected in children who have undergone surgery. While the child is recovering, the leukocytes in his blood will be elevated.
Changes in the leukocyte formula
Doctors evaluate not only the total number of leukocytes and its increase, but also the ratio of different forms of white blood cells, since leukocytosis indicates an infection, but without evaluating the leukocyte formula, it is impossible to understand what kind of infection we are talking about. The popular doctor Komarovsky also emphasizes this.
For example, if eosinophils and leukocytes are elevated in a child (this test result is called eosinophilia), this will tell the doctor to look for allergies and examine the baby for worms. In a situation where monocytes and leukocytes are increased in a child (this is called monocytosis), first of all, mononucleosis must be excluded.
A predominance of neutrophils, called neutrophilia, is more common with bacteria, and more lymphocytes, called lymphocytosis, are more common with viral infections.
The most common reasons for an increase in the number of certain forms of leukocytes are:
Symptoms
When a child's leukocytes are elevated, this is often manifested:
- Fatigue.
- Moderate to high body temperature.
- Increased sweating.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dizziness.
- Sleep disorders.
- Deterioration of vision.
- Soreness of muscles and joints.
- Weight loss.
What to do
If leukocytes are determined in the child's blood above the norm, this does not go unnoticed by the doctor and requires a more detailed examination, especially if you have any complaints. Leukocytosis itself is not a disease, but only acts as one of the signs that there is an inflammatory process in the baby's body.
After determining the cause of the leukocytosis, the doctor will focus on treating the underlying condition, such as a purulent infection or injury. As soon as the child recovers, the white blood cell count will return to normal levels for his age.
How to take a blood test so that the indicator is reliable
In order for the number of white blood cells to correspond to the real picture, the child should not eat before taking the test. If we are talking about a baby, then at least 2 hours should pass after feeding. From drinks, the child should be given only drinking water, since it does not affect blood counts.
It is also important to exclude physical activity and worries.... If the analysis is given in a polyclinic, you should come with the child there in advance, giving the baby 10-15 minutes to rest in the corridor. Also, before taking blood, you need to calm the child so that he is not afraid of manipulation, and this does not affect the level of leukocytes.
For more information on the general blood test, see the program of Dr. Komarovsky.
