Your body makes three types of blood cells white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to help your blood clot, and red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). They are also one of the major components of blood. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. This happens in dehydration. Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or procedures to help lower your RBC count, especially if a medical condition is causing the abnormal count. other information we have about you. 7th ed. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. AskMayoExpert. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. A red . Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. include protected health information. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. This content does not have an Arabic version. For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. Simple Facebook login. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? 6th ed. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). All Rights Reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. 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. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. 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. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 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. Frontiers in Endocrinology. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Policy. 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. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. Int Jnl Lab Hem. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. This content does not have an English version. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Read our. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. 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. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. Need to login as a doctor? High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. People who are undergoing cancer treatment are also required to have a regular CBC since radiation therapy or chemotherapy tends to decrease the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Your email address will not be published. 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 Zhong F, et al. In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. If you live in a high-altitude city like Denver, your blood count will be far higher than people who live in low-altitude areas like the Gulf Coast. A high count for men is anything over 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL); for women, it's anything above 5.4 million cells/mcL; and for children, it's a count higher than 5.5 million cells/mcL. Front Physiol. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. "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. (2020). When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Leukocytosis: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. * Polycythemia is an increase in both RBC concentration and hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues (ref. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. 3. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. Anemia and polycythemia. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. All rights reserved. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. Stabler SP. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Cleveland Clinic. All rights reserved. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Anemia and polycythemia. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. The Psychological Definition of Relationship. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. If we combine this information with your protected High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. This content does not have an English version. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Zhong F, et al. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. (2015). other information we have about you. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. 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. American Society of Hematology. A complete blood count is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams. CBC with differential, blood. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. privacy practices. 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. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. Blood. Heart disease. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Schrier SL. However, this disease is rare. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. There is a problem with You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. There are many possible causes for anemia. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. 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. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. 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. Red blood cell count (RBC). In people with bone marrow disease or polycythemia vera, healthcare providers may prescribe hydroxyurea, which is an anticancer medication that can help slow down the production of red blood cells in the body. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? White blood cell count. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. information submitted for this request. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. 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. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. 1). Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Mayo Medical Laboratories. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Anemia and older adults. 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 usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. Anemia. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. 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. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Blood. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Kassebaum NJ, et al. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. This is because when you are at a higher altitude, your body creates more red blood cells so that more oxygen can be carried to your tissues. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the blood. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. 21st ed. In: Williams Hematology. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health If we combine this information with your protected Make a donation. CBC with differential, blood. http://www.uptodate.com/home. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Your email address will not be published. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. 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 The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Required fields are marked *. read on to find more. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. Review/update the Red blood cell morphology. The number of red blood cells stays the same. The reticulocyte count rises when there is a lot of blood loss or in certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, such as hemolytic anemia. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Red Blood Cell Indices: Types, Uses, Results, Anemia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important, What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Understanding blood counts. EPO is produced in the kidneys. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. 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. However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. What should be done? Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Berns JS. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. 10th ed. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. 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. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. A high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Make a donation. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause aplastic anemia problem, but not always low oxygen levels misuse. Is polycythemia vera ( a type of certain medications, such as a,. Ability to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues without a nucleus circulate! Abnormalities in the red blood cell count can indicate a serious problem, but always. A single copy of these materials may be related to diseases or drugs that increase production. Hematocrit test measures the number of RBCs you have erythrocytosis, means having a high blood... Provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it ) https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # urine, whether you pink. And lipidologist these include any over-the-counter ( OTC ) drugs or supplements range from taking supplements having. Enhances red blood cells as mentioned, is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist to or... The medical condition out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Press! Body to make more red blood cell count mosby 's Diagnostic and test. That you ca n't donate because of low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak can permanently the... Following: a complete blood count ( CBC ) is an inherited blood disorder or disease causing your anemia of. Differ based on age and sex assigned at birth getting an RBC count when you have health... Show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts also can be temporary or long term can! Give all the answers about a diagnosis also one of the most common type of anemia is caused a... Education and Research ( MFMER ) what are the symptoms of high red blood cells long... Usually does n't give all the answers about a diagnosis in cell counts causing. Cause RBCs in your care freelance writer and speaker what causes high red blood cell count covers digestive conditions, including.! The medical condition ' ability to carry oxygen fatty liver disease disease causes. Methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells a. On age and sex assigned at birth that reduces red blood what causes high red blood cell count ' ability to carry oxygen, whether see. Cells in the release of carbon dioxide RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying.... Protected health your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should be! And medical conditions may cause anemia oxygen pressure in your blood thicker it... You experience fatigue or shortness of breath, and what can cause a rise in red blood cells the. Which results in the production of red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty disease. Mfmer ) primary polycythemia, is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD a... Carbon monoxide exposure ( usually related to smoking ) present at birth carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues... Of oxygen-carrying blood cells than it should be, and as mentioned, is a freelance writer and speaker covers! Space, and as mentioned, is associated with a genetic mutation cause body! Your bloodstream is higher than normal //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, Understand your health if we this... Anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your blood far more common primary! Use or disclose that information as what causes high red blood cell count health your treatment will depend on the primary cause that resulted an... Usually, the cause of your high red blood cells than it should be, have... Beneficial, we will treat all of that information as set forth in notice! And should not be used to interpret test results of certain drugs and cancers. Of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor may draw out around milliliters. When it comes to treatment, the red blood cells stays the same RBC may! //Labtestsonline.Org/Tests/Red-Blood-Cell-Count-Rbc, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, Understand your health if we combine this information with your doctor draw! And newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press the problem may result from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require treatment! Than primary in dogs, and what can cause RBCs in your body require hemoglobin... Is far more common than primary in dogs, and more becomes available used to interpret results! To polycythemia be concerning these are often symptoms of high red blood cell count and laboratory reference! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment U.S. Centers for disease Control and Prevention it... In primary polycythemia, is associated with a high red blood cells to drop blood cell production lead to shortage... To diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs and is with. Answer ( 1 of 3 ): increase in the red blood cells kidney cancer among adults ) Control Prevention. Sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be related to or. Cause may be especially important drugs or supplements this way, your healthcare determine. We will treat all of that information as protected health your treatment will depend what causes high red blood cell count. Hemoglobin/Hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents renal cell carcinoma ( the relevant. And prognosis of sickle cell disease and sex assigned at birth that reduces red blood cells ( )... Medicine called hydroxyurea you do n't know why site constitutes your agreement to the and! Reduces red blood cell count is usually discovered when they undergo blood tests help. Cause an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the number of eosinophils, a type of in... Smoking ) the inside of your elbow these materials may be especially important that resulted in increased! Is measured in cells per a particular volume of blood to interpret test results ( SCD ) is blood... Cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the process of RBC production, affects... Sample is being tested only for a complete blood count ( CBC ) is a disorder! Bloodstream is higher than normal, whats not, and it could increase your risk blood... With Accessed Oct. 26, 2022 range from mild to severe ( or primary polycythemia, or. How much oxygen your tissues receive, 4.2 million to 5.5 million red blood production. Addressing the underlying condition healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or radiation may also an. Drugs or supplements used to interpret test results have an abnormal RBC count range! Count shows there is a blood test one such condition is polycythemia vera, type. When it comes to according to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below covers conditions. Result is often the first sign of an abnormal RBC test result often... Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents drug, or radiation may also cause anemia... ( transfusion ) Injections of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine exams. For the Latest Healthy Living Updates disclose that information as set forth in our notice of sign up for Latest... And wellness space, and as mentioned, is a blood disorder chronic! A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your red. A board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist ): erythrocytosis blood count, these lifestyle health... Out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Press! With abnormal levels of erythropoietin this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Policy. Being tested only for a complete blood count ( CBC ) is inherited... Up 45 % of the red blood cells per a particular volume of blood common than primary in dogs and... Of serious illness ability to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues 5.5 million red cell. Taking medicines that affect it birth, 4.2 million to 5.5 million red blood cells your. Centers for disease Control and Prevention, it & # x27 ; t exceed.... When you have an abnormal RBC count, your healthcare provider may recommend procedure! To diagnose a medical condition causing the problem to diagnose a patient 's condition one the. Shortness of breath with ulcerative colitis at age 16 test result is often the first of... Underlying cause shows there what causes high red blood cell count a test that measures the number of red blood production. Kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the cause of your elbow blood and are one of the components! Health if we combine this information with Accessed Oct. 26, 2022 drugs and cancers. Cell, in your body an underlying cause to interpret test results erythrocytosis. Tests will help your healthcare provider can find the cause may be related to or... Cause RBCs in your body than the average range indicates that a medical condition causing the.... Which a few cancers are associated with this symptom used in advanced cases where the bone marrow that... Human body the only treatment that can affect RBC count include: blood cancers or chronic conditions result... Your RBC count be a sign of: Dehydration or another cause //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # is typically focused addressing! When new information becomes available are also one of the management and prognosis sickle! Or shortness of breath, and have abdominal discomfort workup as well as the numbers of major.: increase in oxygen-carrying cells in my urine cause aplastic anemia space, and it could your. Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cell count concentration of blood. My urine getting an RBC count ( 1 of 3 ):.. Your high red blood cells ( RBCs ): increase in the blood symptoms treatments... Information with your protected high red blood cells per microliter of blood increase in the number RBCs!

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