A complete blood count can reveal certain pathologies that develop in the body. One of the important indicators is the number of red blood cells in the blood. These cells are essential for the proper functioning of our body. If their excess or deficiency is determined, this indicates various deviations that require additional examination. What number of red blood cells is considered normal, why certain deviations occur, will be discussed in detail below.
Definition
Erythrocytes are also called red blood cells. These are small cells that move in the blood plasma and perform a transport function. Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. They also transport nutrients, take part in immune reactions. Red blood cells help maintain acid-base balance.
RBCs are small (about 0.01 mm in diameter). They look like discs with a slightly depressed center, which are elastic. These cells are capable of twisting. Thanks to this ability, red blood cells can penetrate into the thinnest vessels of the human body. The number of these cells in the body is very large. Every 4th cell in the human body is an erythrocyte.
Red blood cells do not have a nucleus. This feature is inherent in all mammals. On this basis, human erythrocytes can be distinguished from the cells of birds, reptiles. They are formed in the bone marrow. It is found in the bones of the skull, ribs and spine. Erythrocytes in the blood are formed in several stages. They change in the course of their development shape, composition and size. Normally, only mature and young erythrocytes are found in the blood taken for analysis. There are only 1% of the second types of cells in the body.
Norma
The rate of red blood cells in the blood depends on many factors. This indicator is influenced by gender and age of a person. This indicator is measured in million / µl. In adult men, a blood test should show 4.0-5.5 million / μl. In women, the number of erythrocytes in the sample taken is somewhat less. This figure is 3.7-4.7 million/µl.
In children, the rate of red blood cells also changes with age. After birth and before the age of 2 months in newborns, the number of these cells in the blood is quite high. It is normally 3.9-5.5 million / μl. Over time, their number decreases. After the age of 2 months thisthe indicator is 2.7-4.9 million / µl.
In older children, the number of red blood cells increases slightly. It is normally 4.0-5.2 million / μl. Due to certain factors, there may be a change in the number of red blood cells up or down. During the day, this indicator should not change by more than 0.5 million / μl. A greater difference can be observed in women after childbirth. This is considered normal.
Factors affecting the number of cells
Some people get a test result that shows an increased or decreased level of red blood cells. What does it mean? There may be several reasons for such a phenomenon. If a person trains intensively, performs strength exercises, the number of red blood cells may not be normal. This is quite normal.
Also, the indicator can be affected by stress, a strong emotional shock. Also, when taking a large amount of food, the number of red blood cells will change. This feature is typical for both men and women. Such deviations are usually unstable. They pass quickly.
In some cases, explains the deviation from the norm, the presence of pathology in the body. With an increase in the level of red blood cells, the doctor will suggest that an ailment is developing that is associated with the circulatory system or lack of oxygen. A low rate indicates the development of anemia. This situation is possible after extensive bleeding. There are a number of pathologies that affect this indicator.
Main reasons why the rate increased
If the red blood cells are elevated, several factors can be the cause. They are divided into groups. An increase in the number of these cells is called erythrocytosis. This condition can be caused by physiological, false factors (explained by a lack of water in the body), as well as various disorders in the hematopoietic organs.
For some reason, the amount of blood plasma may decrease. This happens after vomiting, diarrhea or after an infectious disease. If there is less blood plasma, the number of red blood cells in a drop of blood increases.
A serious situation is a violation of the composition of the blood due to diseases of the hematopoietic organs. This situation requires careful diagnosis. Delay in this case is unsafe for the patient. The doctor will order some more tests.
In rare cases, this situation can be caused by a rare hereditary disease.
Reducing the number of cells
If the red blood cells are low, this condition is called erythropenia. This condition is manifested by a number of symptoms. With a decrease in the number of red blood cells, anemia develops. There are many varieties of this pathology. They have certain features of development and flow. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis.
The number of red blood cells will burn down due to bleeding inside the body. Also, with external hemorrhages, there may bea similar situation. Often the decline in red blood cells decreases after the age of 60.
The patient feels constant fatigue and drowsiness. There may be noise in the ears. The skin becomes pale. The more advanced the stage of the disease is, the worse the person becomes. An examination is required. The doctor will prescribe a set of drugs that will help raise the level of red blood cells.
Pregnancy
Erythrocytes in the blood of a woman during pregnancy may differ slightly from the classical standards. During the period of bearing a child, the volume of blood in the mother's body increases. This is necessary for the proper development of the fetus. Moreover, the liquid part increases much faster. The number of red blood cells grows more slowly.
The norm of erythrocytes in the blood will be from 3.5 to 5.6 million / μl. In this case, the number of young erythrocytes should not exceed 1%. Often, the number of red blood cells due to such processes may decrease in the analysis.
It is also worth noting that the number of these cells after childbirth remains high for some time. Then this figure gradually decreases. Therefore, there are standards for pregnant women and women in childbirth.
Reasons for an increase in the number of red blood cells
If the red blood cells are elevated, it can be caused by many reasons. Their excess leads to thickening of the blood. It destroys her qualities. A symptom of this condition is frequent dizziness, headaches, nosebleeds. A blush often appears on the face, skinthe body may turn red.
Dehydration is a common cause of this situation. It could be a fever or an infectious disease with a fever. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to dehydration. These are the most common reasons for this deviation.
In more rare cases, an increased amount of these transport cells in the blood can be caused by neoplasms in the kidneys, as well as endocrine glands. Too much steroid-type hormones in the body also leads to a similar manifestation.
With a frequent lack of oxygen in the body, the number of red blood cells may increase. For example, after hiking in the mountains, tourists often have an increased number of erythrocytes in the blood test. Also, a similar situation is caused by diseases of the heart and lungs, bronchial asthma, bronchitis.
Physiological factors
If red blood cells are elevated, this condition may be caused by physiological factors. Sometimes the cause of this phenomenon is regular physical, mental stress. Also, stress, depression, strong feelings lead to an increase in the number of transport cells in the body.
Unfavorable climatic conditions can also lead to a situation where red blood cells are elevated. If a person comes into contact with harmful chemicals, a similar situation can also arise. Such substances include aniline dyes, as well as galvanic substances.
The body adapts to existingconditions. Therefore, it reacts to the constant strong waste of red blood cells. More are being produced. Therefore, the number of red blood cells increases.
What to do with an increase in red blood cells?
Elevated red blood cells can be caused by various factors. Diagnosis is made by a doctor. At this time, a person must take a number of actions. This will restore the correct level of this indicator.
You need to drink more quality water. If a person consumes a lot of soda or tap water, the body may respond by increasing red blood cells. It is worth drinking filtered water.
After some time, you need to retake a blood test. If the situation has not improved, then there is a pathology that causes a similar condition. It is also advisable to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in the diet. If it's hot outside, drink plenty of fluids. If a person is sick with an infectious disease, which is accompanied by an elevated body temperature, it is important to provide him with plenty of fluids.
Reasons for low red blood cell count
In some cases, the number of red blood cells in the blood may be reduced. What do these test results mean? It is necessary to take into account several nuances. If a person has suffered an injury with a large blood loss in the near future, this can cause a low content of cells in the blood.
In women, this situation can be observed in the first days of menstruation. This is not considered a deviation.
In some cases, poor red blood cell production can be caused byimproper nutrition. In this case, vitamins B6 and B12, as well as iron, do not enter the body in sufficient quantities. This situation can also be observed in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, even with good nutrition, part of the nutrients is simply not absorbed.
A number of other factors
Reduced red blood cells can be determined in the presence of a rare hereditary disease. In this case, erythrocytes do not live long, they may have deformations. In some cases, the tests will be below normal due to premature aging of red blood cells. They are rapidly deteriorating.
Also, the intake of certain medications affects the amount of the indicator presented. It can decrease with regular use of Corvalol. Chemotherapy also has a similar effect. However, in this case, it increases significantly.
Diseases that affect the result of the analysis
A blood test for erythrocytes may show a downward deviation in some diseases. These can be serious infections such as whooping cough or diphtheria. Red blood cells in such ailments are destroyed due to exposure to toxic substances that are produced in the body, as well as increased destruction of the presented cells.
Cancer diseases also lead to deviations from the norm. They are formed in the bone marrow, which leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
Autoimmune diseases also lead to insufficient production of red blood cells. Among the ailments that can affect the patient's condition are kidney pathologies,liver, urinary tract, and endocrine abnormalities. It is very important to see a doctor and determine the cause of the low red blood cell count.
General recommendations
If the erythrocytes in the blood are increased or decreased for no apparent reason, you need to undergo a full examination. To prevent the development of various deviations, you need to lead a proper lifestyle and monitor nutrition. Excessive loads do not benefit the body. This applies to both physical and emotional stress.
The diet must include meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. It is necessary to monitor the quality and quantity of water that a person consumes every day. In this case, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of deviations from the norm.
Having considered what functions red blood cells perform in the blood, you can understand how important it is to maintain their correct level. This indicator needs to be monitored. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular medical examinations, pay attention to organizing your lifestyle.
