How to set the red blood cell count?
To determine the number of red cells, it is necessary to donate blood from a finger. In some diseases, elevated red blood cells are found as a result, but there are few such pathologies, although they are quite serious. This phenomenon in medicine is called erythrocytosis, but not only diseases can lead to its development.
Functions of red blood cells
The main task of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to various cells of the human body and remove carbon dioxide from it. In addition, they provide nutrition at the cellular level and protect the body from various toxic substances. In addition to all of the above, it is these components of the blood that are responsible for the acid balance, ensuring the normal process of blood clotting and participating in vital biochemical processes. The average lifespan of one such cell is approximately 4 months, after which it ages and is destroyed in the spleen. Elevated erythrocytes indicate the presence of some failures inbody, being the first alarm signal indicating internal changes.
Reasons for increased red blood cell volume:
- drinking dirty, highly carbonated or chlorinated water;
- lack of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of food;
- hot weather;
- excessive exercise;
- fluid deficiency in the body;
- lack of vitamins;
- liver failure;
- kidney disease;
- inflammation of an infectious and non-infectious nature;
- anemia;
- intoxication;
- blood diseases;
- malignant neoplasms;
- heart attack;
- vaccination;
- stroke;
- exposure to harmful radiation;
- stay on top.
Physiological conditions in which there is an increased volume of red blood cells include the menstrual period, pregnancy and taking certain medications. For example, the use of calcium chloride and acetylsalicylic acid.
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation
This phenomenon is observed in inflammatory diseases, infections and tumors. An analysis to determine the number of red blood cells is prescribed as a screening study during preventive examinations. As a rule, such a test is not used to detect a specific disease, but in a complex of general tests. For the analysis to showthe most reliable result, it must be carried out on an empty stomach, otherwise elevated erythrocytes may be detected, which have nothing to do with the disease. However, not only the volume, but also the shape of red blood cells plays an important role for the human body. For example, an increased content of oval red blood cells, which have different sizes, indicates a deficiency of B vitamins and folic acid. In some cases, halves of these cells are found in the blood, which indicates an increase in the amount of free radicals. If the analysis showed elevated red blood cells, do not panic, because very often this phenomenon is provoked by hot weather or prolonged work at the computer.
