Leukocytes are increased in the child's blood: causes

For the first time a clinical blood test (also called generic) is done by the children in the hospital, and then the study is carried out during routine physical examinations or before vaccination.

Before analysis

If possible, a general blood test should be taken on an empty stomach, that is, the child should not eat before the procedure. Stomach after eating begins to work intensively. This can lead to the fact that according to the results of the analysis the white blood cells will be raised in the child's blood, and the doctor will receive incorrect information about the baby's health. In polyclinics, most often, the offices in which blood is taken are working from 8 to 10 am, as it is at this time in the body that the indices of the internal environment are the most optimal.

Leukocytes - blood cells

Bloody corpuscles of white color, capable of absorbing and digesting different microorganisms, thus performing the function of protection, are leukocytes. In their composition, they contain enzymes that can destroy the foreign protein. Their production, as well as maturation occurs in the bone marrow. In some leukocytes the cytoplasm has a granular structure, they are called granulocytes. In the cytoplasm there are no other granularities, they are called agranulocytes. Granulocytes include neutrophils (segmental and stabnuclear), eosinophils, basophils, agranulocytes - monocytes, lymphocytes. The stab neutrophils from the number of all leukocytes in the norm should not exceed 5%, in the case when this figure is larger, we can already talk about the presence of some pathology. This phenomenon is called a stab-shift, that is, it shifts to the left side of the leukocyte formula. Eosinophils from the total number of white blood cells should be no more than 4%. If this figure is increased, then in the child's body there is a foreign protein, which can be characterized by an allergic reaction or the presence of helminths.

Leukocytosis

This term is used when leukocytes in the blood are elevated. The causes of this phenomenon are determined by physiological or pathological nature. In the first case, the level of white blood cells increases as a result of physical activity. Within approximately two hours after eating, there may be leukocytes raised in the child's blood. Also, their growth is observed after taking a fairly hot bath, with emotional stress. That's why the blood test is always delivered in the morning, at this time of the day the indicators are the most reliable. In the evenings, even absolutely healthy children may have elevated white blood cells. In the baby and the older child, the growth of white blood cells can be caused by some pathology, for example, poisoning, infectious disease, burn, purulent process, trauma, cold, that is, almost any painful condition. But do not yourself look for the cause. If the results of the analysis of white blood cells are increased in a child in the blood, consult a doctor. He will prescribe an examination on the basis of which it will be possible to put a correct diagnosis.

Leukemia

In some cases, leukocytes are elevated in the child in the blood because he suffers from leukemia, a malignant disease of the hematopoietic system. The presence of this serious disease can be detected already during the first blood test. But, fortunately, leukemia in children is not so common. Usually an increase in the level of leukocytes is due to less serious causes.