Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow makes white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. WBCs help fight infection. RBCs help to carry oxygen throughout the body. Platelets help the blood clot. ALL causes your child's body to make too many immature (young) white blood cells. These cells are cancer (leukemia) cells and cannot fight infection like healthy WBCs. Cancer cells crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making healthy blood cells. Without enough healthy blood cells, your child is at risk for infection, bleeding, and anemia. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child feels short of breath or has chest pain.
- Your child hardly moves, speaks, or opens his or her eyes.
- Your child faints or loses consciousness.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child's temperature is greater than 100.4°F (38°C).
- Your child has heavy bleeding.
- Your child's heart is beating faster than usual.
- Your child has blood in his urine or bowel movement.
Call your child's doctor or oncologist if:
- Your child has bruising not caused by an injury.
- Your child has nausea or is vomiting.
- Your child has trouble eating.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Prevent infection:
- Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Have your child wash his or her hands after he or she uses the bathroom. Have your child wash his or her hands before he or she eats or prepares food.
- Keep your child away from people who are sick. Keep your child away from people who have a cold or the flu. Also try to keep your child away from crowded places, such as the mall.
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Care for your child:
- Prevent bleeding and bruising in your child. Do not let your child play contact sports, such as football. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your child's teeth. Do not floss your child's teeth while his or her platelet count is low. Have your child blow his or her nose gently. Do not give your child's NSAIDs or aspirin. NSAIDs and aspirin prevent platelets from helping the blood clot. This increases your child's risk for bleeding.
- Give your child plenty of liquids as directed. Your child may need to drink extra liquids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is possible if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea from cancer treatments. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him or her.
- Help your child find ways to exercise. ALL or its treatment may make your child feel tired. Exercise can help your child have more energy. Ask his or her provider what exercises are safe for your child.
- Feed your child healthy foods. Healthy foods may help your child feel better and have more energy. Examples of healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if your child needs to be on a special diet. Ask about any extra nutrition your child may need, such as nutrition shakes or vitamins.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Your child will need to see an oncologist for ongoing treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information and support:
It may be difficult for your child to go through cancer treatment. Ask your child's healthcare provider for information about camps for children with cancer.
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc.
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains , NY 10605
Phone: 1- 914 - 949-5213
Phone: 1- 800 - 955-4572
Web Address: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Treatment options
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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