Medical Results for My Toddler
Hello everyone, Today, I took my 4-year-old son to the doctor because he has had a swollen lymph node on the right side of his neck for over six months. Six months ago, we visited a physician who suggested we keep an eye on it, stating that it wasn’t a cause for concern. However, since the swelling persisted, I insisted on having blood tests conducted, and I have received the results. Could someone please help me interpret his blood work? I suspect he might be experiencing some allergies, but I’m not entirely sure. During our visit, the doctor noted the presence of two swollen lymph nodes on the right side of his neck, but mentioned that there were no additional swollen nodes in areas like his groin or armpits. Here are the results for your reference: - WBC: 5.6 - RBC: 4.36 - HGB: 12.1 - HCT: 35.9 - MCV: 82.3 - MCH: 27.8 - MCHC: 33.7 - RDW: 13 - Platelets (k/ul): 427 - MPV: 8.6 - Neutrophils (%): 29.8 - Lymphocytes (%): 58 - Monocytes (%): 7.8 - Eosinophils (%): 3.4 - Basophils (%): 0.9 - Immature Granulocytes: 0.2 - Neutrophils (k/ul): 1.7 - Lymphocytes (K/uL): 3.2 - Monocytes (K/uL): 0.4 - Eosinophils (K/uL): 0.2 - Basophils (K/uL): 0.1 - Immature Granulocytes (K/uL): 0.01 I’d really appreciate it if someone could help me go over these results. I’m feeling quite anxious about the situation.
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 9:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your son’s health, especially with the ongoing concern of the swollen lymph node. Based on the blood work results you've provided, there are several key points to consider regarding his condition and what next steps you might take.
Key Points from the Blood Work
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White Blood Cell Count (WBC): A normal range for children is typically around 5,000 to 10,000 cells per microliter. Your son’s result of 5.6 is within the normal range, suggesting his body is not currently fighting a significant infection.
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Lymphocytes: At 58%, the lymphocyte percentage in your son’s blood is slightly elevated. Lymphocytes are part of the immune system and can increase in response to infections or sometimes due to allergies.
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Eosinophils: The count of 0.2 (3.4%) indicates a normal level of eosinophils, which are often associated with allergic reactions or parasitic infections, suggesting allergies might not be a prominent issue.
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Platelets: His platelet count is also within the normal range, which is important as it indicates good bone marrow function and no sign of bleeding disorders.
Explanation
The persistent swollen lymph node could be due to several benign factors, including:
- Infectious causes: such as a past viral infection.
- Non-infectious conditions: such as localized inflammation or possibly reactive lymphadenopathy, where the lymph node remains swollen due to a past infection.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swollen lymph node and any changes, such as size, pain, or the appearance of additional symptoms like fever or weight loss.
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Document Symptoms: Create a log of any other symptoms your son may be experiencing, noting their frequency and severity. This will be helpful for his doctor.
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Consult with His Doctor: Discuss the results with your son’s pediatrician. Although the initial test results are reassuring, your doctor's clinical judgment and any additional investigations or imaging may help in assessing whether further follow-up is needed for the lymph node.
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Consider Allergy Testing: If you still suspect allergies, you might want to ask about allergy testing to identify any potential allergens affecting him.
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Stay Calm and Supportive: It’s natural to feel anxious, but try to maintain a calm perspective and ensure your son feels supported. Reassure him about his health, focusing on the normal aspects of his blood test.
In summary, the current blood work suggests there isn't a pressing concern, but it is vital to continue monitoring and have an open discussion with your healthcare provider to address your worries and next steps for your son. If new symptoms arise or if you remain concerned, don't hesitate to seek further medical guidance.
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