Causes of Elevated White Blood Cell Count in Children
Leukocytosis, commonly referred to as an increase in white blood cells (WBCs), occurs when the count of these cells in the bloodstream exceeds the normal range. A variety of health conditions can lead to prolonged elevations in WBC counts. Below are some key factors and health issues that may influence white blood cell levels in children:
Non-Disease-Related Causes
There are several reasons for an increase in white blood cell count in children that are not linked to diseases, including:
- Emotional and psychological stress, which can trigger a rise in white blood cell levels.
- Physical stress due to an injury or specific trauma.
Infections
An elevated WBC count often indicates the presence of certain infections. In response, the body increases the production of these cells to combat the bacteria or viruses responsible for the infection.
Medications
Several medications may contribute to a rise in white blood cell counts, including:
- Aspirin.
- Heparin.
- Corticosteroids.
- Allopurinol.
- Epinephrine.
- Chloroform.
- Quinine.
- Triamterene.
Leukemia
Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can lead to uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the bone marrow, significantly increasing the risk of severe bleeding or infection.
Other Causes
Additional factors that might contribute to a higher white blood cell count in children include:
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a condition characterized by abnormal blood cell production in the bone marrow, affecting all types of blood cells, including WBCs.
- Myeloproliferative syndromes, which encompass various disorders that stimulate excessive production of immature blood cells, resulting in imbalances in blood cell counts.
- Kidney failure.
- Malnutrition.
- Tissue damage, such as that resulting from a heart attack.
- Adrenal insufficiency.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Severe physical stress, which may occur due to fever, injuries, or surgery.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints.
- Inflammatory diseases, including certain allergic conditions.
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen).
Risk Factors for Elevated White Blood Cell Count in Children
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of elevated white blood cell counts in children. Notable risk factors include:
- Autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system erroneously targets healthy cells in the body as foreign invaders.
- Significant low birth weight.
- Presence of immunodeficiency diseases or conditions.
Video on Causes of Elevated White Blood Cell Count
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