Overview of RBC?
Red blood cells are one of the major components of blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body.Doctors measure your red blood cell count to help diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Normal red blood cell counts are:
For men, 4.7 to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood
For women, 4.2 to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood
For children, 4.0 to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood
Doctors typically find a high red blood cell count during tests for another health issue. You may need more tests to determine what’s causing the higher levels. These may include tests to look for conditions that cause your body to produce too many red blood cells, such as heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, such as sleep apnea.Red Blood Cell Count - A complete blood count used as a screening test for various disease states to include: anemia, leukemia and inflammatory processes.
Low red blood count(Anemia)
A low red blood count, or anemia, can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness. When a person has a lower red blood count than is normal, their body has to work harder to get enough oxygen to the cells.Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells is decreased. There are many types of anemia, with some having more serious outcomes than others.
Iron-deficiency anemiaTo make red blood cells, iron is required. However a low intake of iron and a substantial loss of blood can cause iron-deficiency anemia; where the body isn’t making enough red blood cells.This is the most common type of anemia especially as there are more people controlling what they eat so could be starving the body of iron.
Sickle cell anemia Sickle Cell is an inherited disease where the red blood cells are shaped like Cs instead of their normal circular shape. This makes the cells sticky and causes blood flow problems, which can result in blockages.
Normocytic anemia Your body needs to produce enough red blood cells for the body to function normally, if the body is not producing enough cells this is known as Normocytic Anemia.
High red blood cell count
High red blood cell count may be caused by low oxygen levels, kidney disease or other problems.Your body may increase red blood cell production to compensate for any condition that results in low oxygen levels, including Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease in adults),Heart failure,A condition present at birth that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (hemoglobinopathy) or High altitudes.Increased red blood cell concentration may cause Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more concentrated. The actual number of red blood cells stays the same.)Rarely, in some kidney cancers and sometimes after kidney transplants, the kidneys might produce too much erythropoietin. This enhances red blood cell production.Looking for gold tb test?. Use Tuhealthy App to find tb test gold near you.
