HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Recurring Cough, Wbc 3.8, Esr -24. Blood Test Done. Antibiotics Prescribed. Advise?

Hi my daughter 4.5 years old, had a cough for a week, gave cough bottle, didnt go to the doc, she stopped coughing and was fine for a week, got cough again. Paediatrician prescribed 7 day course of antibiotics, on the same day took her bloods, everything was in normal range except for WBC 3.8 and ESR -24. After a weeks course of antibiotic she was fine for 2 days then started coughing again, so back to the doctor and on another antibiotic (azithromycin 200mg/5ml)
She said she was really not happy with her low WBC and to repeat tests in a month as her immune system is down at the moment due to infection. I'm after google'ing low WBC and getting seriously stressed about bone marrow cancer and leukaemia. Do we have to wait for a month for repeat blood tests?
My daughter is rarely sick and seems a really healthy and active child, even now when she is sick she's happy and has great appetite. But I'm really worried about this situation. I thought that when you get sick, WBC should go up instead of down
Thank you
Fri, 7 Jun 2013
Report Abuse
Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Nothing to worry.

Cough is a only a symptom of respiratory tract infection, allergy, or irritation.

Low WBC count is seen in viral illnesses most commonly and it is not a finding of cancer.

I advise you to stop worrying about the cancer and repeat the test as advised by your pediatrician.

In bacterial infections the WBC count will go up and in viral infections it will go down as a general rule.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer


Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Wbc


Loading Online Doctors....
Recurring Cough, Wbc 3.8, Esr -24. Blood Test Done. Antibiotics Prescribed. Advise?

Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. Nothing to worry. Cough is a only a symptom of respiratory tract infection, allergy, or irritation. Low WBC count is seen in viral illnesses most commonly and it is not a finding of cancer. I advise you to stop worrying about the cancer and repeat the test as advised by your pediatrician. In bacterial infections the WBC count will go up and in viral infections it will go down as a general rule. Hope I have answered your query. Regards.