Question

Does tonsillitis lead to an increase in white blood cell count?

Answer

Tonsillitis typically causes a slight increase in white blood cell count as the immune system fights off the infection. However, if the white blood cell count significantly rises, it may indicate a more severe infection or resistance to treatment by the body. For instance, in your case, after 4 days of intravenous fluid therapy, the white blood cell count has not returned to normal levels, which may suggest that the bacteria causing the tonsillitis are resistant to cephalosporin antibiotics. It is recommended to conduct bacterial culture and sensitivity testing to determine the best treatment plan. Meanwhile, pay attention to monitoring your child’s temperature and whether the tonsillitis inflammation has decreased. If there is no improvement in the condition, consider changing the treatment method. Additionally, keeping the indoor air ventilated, drinking plenty of water, and other measures can help accelerate recovery. Wishing for a speedy recovery!