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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated WBC Count In A Child?

My son is 2 years old, had labs done in June 2015, then a repeat lab beginning of October 2015. In both cases his wbc was elevated. He has .8 for gran s and 15.8 for mono s. We are being referred to Children s hematology clinic for follow up. It will be a few weeks before they can see him. We are worried. He had 3 nosebleeds last month, none prior or since. He had a cold both times we happened to have his labs done. Could it be possibly high from colds both times he had his blood drawn? He has no swelling, trauma injuries, burns or lethargy. He is not what I consider pale either. He is very happy and extremely active. Any insight you may have?
posted on Sat, 10 Oct 2015
Twitter Wed, 11 Nov 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
High white blood cell (WBC) count is usually due to infection.
Bacterial infection leads to increase in neutrophils and thus elevated WBCs.
As you have noticed that blood sample is drawn during cold and the WBC count is high.
It is quite possible that the cold is due to infection and it is responsible for elevated WBCs.
Bleeding from nose can occur due to various causes.
Trauma to delicate nasal mucosa is the most common cause of bleeding from nose.
A clinical assessment of the nasal mucosa is required to know the cause of nose bleeds.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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What Causes Elevated WBC Count In A Child?

Hello and welcome to HCM, High white blood cell (WBC) count is usually due to infection. Bacterial infection leads to increase in neutrophils and thus elevated WBCs. As you have noticed that blood sample is drawn during cold and the WBC count is high. It is quite possible that the cold is due to infection and it is responsible for elevated WBCs. Bleeding from nose can occur due to various causes. Trauma to delicate nasal mucosa is the most common cause of bleeding from nose. A clinical assessment of the nasal mucosa is required to know the cause of nose bleeds. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri