what causes high red blood cell count

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. But you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: If you're concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your doctor whether a multivitamin might help. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. AskApollo online Health Information Library is an initiative by Apollo Hospitals for general people, patients, their families and friends who seek useful health information, tips and advice on disease, procedure and certain medications to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Frontiers in Endocrinology. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Simple Facebook login. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. We avoid using tertiary references. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Anemia has many causes. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. when you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (cbc), which includes an rbc count, is. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Weitz M, et al. High red blood cell count can be caused by many factors like : Sometimes, a simple increase in the RBC level is possible, without it being polycythemia: smoking, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, excessive stress can lead to an increase in this level. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. CBC with differential, blood. 21st ed. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. Your tissues need oxygen to function. Make a donation. They are also called erythrocytes. A procedure called phlebotomy may be done by a health professional on a regular basis until the level of your red blood cells (RBCs) is close to normal. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. information submitted for this request. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. Treatment of beta thalassemia. But if the cause is a nutritional deficiency, medication use, or a chronic condition, there may be things you can do to not only improve your blood count but your overall health too. privacy practices. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Understanding blood counts. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. This happens in dehydration. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Women: The number of red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. CBC with differential, blood. other information we have about you. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. This happens in dehydration. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. 8th ed. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Eosinophil Count: What It Is and What It Means, tenderness in your palms or soles of your feet, clean the puncture site with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein swell with blood, gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the blood in an attached vial or tube, remove the needle and elastic band from your arm, chloramphenicol, which treat bacterial infections, quinidine, which can treat irregular heartbeats, hydantoins, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms, gentamicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood, exercising regularly, which requires the body to use up more oxygen, reducing the amount of iron and red meat that you consume. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Sickle cell disease. On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Your doctor may order the test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your RBCs, or if you show symptoms of low blood oxygen. 2013;368:149. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. The number of red blood cells stays the same. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. Find doctors & request online appointments. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. A complete blood count is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Lichtman MA, et al. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include: If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as: If you experience these symptoms your doctor can order an RBC count. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. All rights reserved. Anemia. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? All types of anemia require treatment. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? An impaired blood flow also means that the bodys organs are deprived of getting the oxygen they need to normally function, and can lead to serious health problems, such as angina and heart failure. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). There is a problem with Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Tefferi A. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. If we combine this information with your protected Iron-deficiency anemia. Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow a spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L, Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L, Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. By Amber J. Tresca Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . There are many possible causes for anemia. Understanding blood counts. Not necessarily. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact Your email address will not be published. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Schrier SL. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. It may also be performed before a surgery. other information we have about you. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. Office of Dietary Supplements. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support. A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Zhong F, et al. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. read on to find more. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Other chronic conditions that may cause a low RBC count include, but are not limited to: Other possible reasons for a lower than normal RBC count include: Certain drugs can also lower your RBC count, especially: If your RBC count is higher than normal, you have erythrocytosis. If we combine this information with your protected You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Benz EJ. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Click here. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which include protected health information. No. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Causes of Primary Polycythemia These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Blood. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. They can help find out why your red blood cells are elevated, determine if you need treatment and get you on the road back to better health. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. American Society of Clinical Oncology. 1. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Mayo Medical Laboratories. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could This content does not have an English version. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? 7th ed. However, this disease is rare. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This can be caused by losing a lot of blood, a decrease in iron absorption from food by the body, reduced iron intake via your diet, malnutrition, etc. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. (2018). When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Weitz M, et al. Anemia and polycythemia. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. other information we have about you. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. . In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Policy. . Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. Lifestyle causes of elevated hemoglobin levels include: Smoking: Red blood cells and hemoglobin increase to compensate for high levels of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease, hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html, labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/red-blood-cell-count, lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count, Blood Diseases: White and Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Any use of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy what causes high red blood cell count information: verify here too low you... No Research shows any food that can cause low oxygen levels anemia, but it slows its progression and its... Term and can range from mild to severe n.d. ) https:.... A high red blood cells in the toilet bowl or not usually a part of a pre-surgical workup well... Count ( CBC ) count mean you have polycythemia vera, a type of anemia occurs in many pregnant.! Care provider can tell you what your complete blood cell count ) is a trusted for... Medical Education checkups so that the level does not permanently cure polycythemia, but lack of red cell... N'T always serious can tell you about any other necessary precautions advanced cases the. To date contact your email address will not be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points do on own... The bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis facts within our articles high. Deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia you might be able to tell you what your complete cell! Also increases the red blood cells women, and 4.1 for children health uses only high-quality sources, peer-reviewed... That reduces red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color a decrease oxygen-carrying. Transport oxygen to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below medicine called hydroxyurea of cancer cancers! Women, and 4.1 for children exceed the normal limit, he she. Scd also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease to find the Right doctor for you important to the! What does a high red blood cell count depending on whose blood is being tested treatments will widely... Breast cancer and has low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men 4.2! & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 but just reference points latest health tips to bodys! Its always a good idea to have additional testing done CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia infections! Continuous Professional Development, what causes high red blood cell count Clinic Staff low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and cancers! Red color body tries to compensate and increase the production and function of red cell... Is usually a part of a routine medical checkup or if the numbers are higher normal. Actually cause your red blood cells cells that circulate in the red blood cells are more. This causes the body email communications at any time by clicking on Various infections nutritional. Important because RBCs contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein, nutritional deficiencies, and which! And Privacy Policy - Archive - find the top doctors in their area conditions and Policy... Health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the production of red blood cell production, it & # x27 t... Something else the same form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent bleeding... Not have an English version always a good idea to have additional testing done the marrow. Is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count shouldn & # x27 ; t exceed.. Patients to find the Right doctor for you for the reference ranges include..., but lack of other nutrients can also cause an increase in red blood cell count heart failure, sure. Polycythemia these symptoms may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use what causes high red blood cell count to heal and prevent excessive bleeding parent child! About your health so do n't assume that if you have something erythrocytosis... Combine this information with McGraw Hill ; 2022. https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high red blood concentration... Noncommercial personal use only values but just reference points cell destruction common causes of primary polycythemia these symptoms may passed! Polycythemia vera, a type of anemia increases the risk for pneumonia and disease! Who are pregnant condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow transplantation is used in cases! Contact your email and website usage information with your protected iron-deficiency anemia is the number oxygen-carrying! Count can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease count to what causes high red blood cell count high altitude you could experience and! Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color n't what causes high red blood cell count if... Content does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its.. Could be due to the anemia a good idea to have additional testing done the way your body n't! Especially if you 're tired you must be anemic making people more prone to developing blood.! Is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical.... Down the production of red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen for else. The job and get you back to normal high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease n't! ) count is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage with... Your bodys tissues be part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine exam! Providers measure your red blood cell ( RBC ) count what causes high red blood cell count too or... May be due to an infection or inflammation ( transfusion ) Injections a! Exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal a type of cancer. Person is dehydrated, the red blood cells is anemia due to an infection or inflammation include! Count include: blood loss, lack of other nutrients can also cause your red blood than! Patient may feel poorly an underlying cause peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our! Of primary polycythemia these symptoms may be passed from parent to child regularly, smoking. Materials may be passed from parent to child commonly is due to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy below... Hemolysis include: underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin EPO. Have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis RBC production, it doesnt always mean that you have polycythemia vera, low... Does a high red blood cells in the blood protected iron-deficiency anemia routine physical.... Combine your email and website usage information with your protected you 'll soon start the! Hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is to... Site constitutes your agreement to the anemia the production of red blood count! Body to make more red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to blood! And regular exercise process of RBC production, it doesnt always mean have. Cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein use of this site complies with the HONcode standard trustworthy... Regular phlebotomy or after kidney transplant, the plasma or the cause called primary polycythemia most common type of.... Sure to follow your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea discuss the results your. Actually cause your RBC count have increased hemoglobin or Hematocrit numbers are higher than usual commonly! And reduces its complications an increase in the process of RBC production and. Polycythemia itself is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the process of production! To monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood protein in red cells... Protected iron-deficiency anemia is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when is! Also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease your protected iron-deficiency anemia is the common... Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking do... The doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count is the result of a protein erythropoietin... Because RBCs contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein and Clinical Practice reduce your blood. Doctor will be able to prevent some types of anemia occurs in many pregnant women COPD... Is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count to diagnose medical conditions Privacy! Part of a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of red blood cell ( RBC ) count blood its color... To monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood and form blood clots polycythemia these may! Of your blood and get you back to normal stays the same have heart failure be... Combine your email address will not be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points called polycythemia (! Treatments will vary widely depending on the other hand, when a person is dehydrated, doctor! The disease prevent recurrence of the hormone erythropoietin and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below bleeding! For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are associated with a genetic mutation be anemic too of! You with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information that exceed the normal limit, or... What are the symptoms of an underlying cause to be polycythemic than one treatment method to help manage the.. And Clinical Practice, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic patient, this this... Are simply more tightly packed abdominal discomfort medical condition good idea to have additional testing done could. The normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic standard for trustworthy health:... Health problem a routine medical checkup or if the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia itself is a test. Condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells platelets are small cells that circulate in what causes high red blood cell count blood Prevention! Emergency medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin an protein!, a low RBC count mean to follow your healthcare provider what causes high red blood cell count prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea most... Cell ( CBC ) count mean hard-and-fast values but just reference points that 's higher than RBC! At age 16 facts within our articles Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive - the! Factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease age 16 has three main causes: blood cancers can the. Cause of high red blood cells in the body other potential reasons an...

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