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What Causes Low WBC Count?

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Posted on Sat, 10 May 2014
Question: My daughter is 10 years old, after having blood tests done due to her outbursts and irritability over nothing much, I thought the blood results would should that she is HyperGlysimic. But instead we find out that her white blood count is low at 3, less then 2 years ago it was at 3.2, and her liver function is low. Although she was very outdoor person, she now has less energy and gets tired and grumpy quickly. She picks up any colds going around, she school report shows that she has a comprehension problems, concentration problems, doesn't cope under pressure, still has outbursts, yells and irritability. She can't get enough of sleep. What can I do ? Could you please guide me in what the problem is ? Any information would be much appreciated. My daughter has suffered by ear infections and tonsillitis for years, less than 2 years ago she has had her tonsils and adenoids removed and no problems since. She has been on Cephalexin- antibiotic for years no and off, but has not been on it for just under 2 years.
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Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Nothing to do with your low WBC count Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. At the level of "3", WBC count is on a lower side but there is nothing to panic. especially if it was 3.2 earlier then it is at almost the same level. Some people do have inherently lower levels of WBC count and this may not account for any illness. Moreso thesymptoms of redcued concentration , irritability and anger out bursts cannot be accounted for this lower WBC count and has to do something with the behavioural problems. One diagnosis i am wondering that is possible in your case is ADHD. This needs proper examination of a child by a psychiatrist who can ascertain the adiagnosis. In that case the symptoms can be drastically improved with stimulants. Otherwise as well the techniques of behavioural therapy can be used in either cases. Initially you can encourage her to communicate and play with a smaller group of children having 2-3 children and she should be explained that anger outbursts are not accepted. May be you can arrange some small parties like "pop corn party" or a "maggie party" and invite other children home. Each time she interacts well with other children and with family members without irritability she should receive a star and ones she has 5 of them, she can exchange those stars for a reward. Reward can be anything that she likes like may be a dinner outside or a barbie doll or a visit to a play zone etc. Overtime she will realize that her appropriate behaviors are being rewarded and then the expected behaviours will improve and increase. But this will take time and requires lot of patience. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (13 minutes later)
Thank you Doctor, just an additional question. She has lack of enthusiasm for school work and outside classes - piano and singing. Everything has gone down hill. The teacher has given a concerning school report for the first quarter. Being in grade 5, when under pressure for tests, question time etc. our child drops down to grade 2 level. I know she is very capable but struggles in comprehension. She is always tired, could there be anything else wrong with her ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: ADHD could be a possibility Detailed Answer: Hello As I suggested in my previous answer, there is a possibility of ADHD predominantly inattentive type. You may get her examined by a psychiarist. I have seen many such children improve with the use of methylphenidate or adderall. You should seriously consider these options. The results will be apparatnt with in a day or two. Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Srikanth Reddy

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What Causes Low WBC Count?

Brief Answer: Nothing to do with your low WBC count Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. At the level of "3", WBC count is on a lower side but there is nothing to panic. especially if it was 3.2 earlier then it is at almost the same level. Some people do have inherently lower levels of WBC count and this may not account for any illness. Moreso thesymptoms of redcued concentration , irritability and anger out bursts cannot be accounted for this lower WBC count and has to do something with the behavioural problems. One diagnosis i am wondering that is possible in your case is ADHD. This needs proper examination of a child by a psychiatrist who can ascertain the adiagnosis. In that case the symptoms can be drastically improved with stimulants. Otherwise as well the techniques of behavioural therapy can be used in either cases. Initially you can encourage her to communicate and play with a smaller group of children having 2-3 children and she should be explained that anger outbursts are not accepted. May be you can arrange some small parties like "pop corn party" or a "maggie party" and invite other children home. Each time she interacts well with other children and with family members without irritability she should receive a star and ones she has 5 of them, she can exchange those stars for a reward. Reward can be anything that she likes like may be a dinner outside or a barbie doll or a visit to a play zone etc. Overtime she will realize that her appropriate behaviors are being rewarded and then the expected behaviours will improve and increase. But this will take time and requires lot of patience. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.