Red blood cells produced in the bone marrow are called erythrocytes. Their transport function allows you to deliver oxygen to tissues at the cellular level and take carbon dioxide to the lungs. In addition to the main functionality, they take part in water-salt metabolism and regulation of blood acidity levels. For the normal functioning of the body, their quantity must correspond to age standards.
Description of the causes of erythrocytosis
An excess of red blood cells in the blood plasma is called erythrocytosis. As a result, the blood begins to thicken and moves through the capillaries with difficulty. Red blood cell production spontaneously increases in the body when oxygen levels in cells decrease. Lack of oxygen can be caused by congenital pathology of the heart muscle, heart failure, hemoglobinopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and excessive smoking.
It is possible to regulate the formation of red blood cells with the help of certain drugs. These include anabolic steroids, erythropoietin protein and some groups of antibiotics intended for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes in hematopoiesis.
The consequence of an increase in red blood cells in blood cells can be dehydration, which occurs as a result of an increase in temperature in the body, the occurrence of gag reflexes and loose stools. During such deviations, the concentration of red blood cells increases, but their number does not change.
Increased red blood cell count?
Our body is a complex mechanism that reacts sensitively to any internal disruptions.
Every cell in it is important, not to mention the role of blood. Without blood, the body cannot function. Therefore, each component of the blood must work like a clock. Today we’ll talk about red blood cells - erythrocytes. They carry oxygen from the lungs to all organs and tissues and take waste carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
In addition to this transport function, red blood cells participate in water-salt metabolism and regulate blood acidity. Therefore, for optimal functioning of all organ systems, it is necessary that the level of these cells in the body is within normal limits.
Symptoms of increased red cells
An increased number of red blood cells can be determined by a blood test. External manifestations are not so noticeable. Only a few symptoms can indicate their increase. Signs of oversaturation with red blood cells in the human body can be:
- constant fatigue
- presence of shortness of breath,
- pain syndromes in the joints,
- dampness on the feet and palms,
- skin itching,
- bad dream.
Polycythemia, which occurs when the level of red blood cells increases, leads to blurred vision, headaches, muscle and chest pain, dizziness, high blood pressure and tinnitus. With mild polycythaemic syndrome, there are often no symptoms.
Increase in red blood cells: prevention
Primary sources of increasing values
Changes of physiological nature are provoked by:
- severe emotional stress;
- severe dehydration;
- long-term sports activities;
- living in high mountain areas.
The pathological form of erythrocytosis is associated with:
- with erythremia - tumor damage to the hematopoietic organs;
- heart defects - when arterial and venous blood is mixed, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues; to compensate for the deviation, the bone marrow begins to produce a larger number of red blood cells;
- neoplasms in the kidneys, pituitary gland, adrenal glands or liver - the organs are responsible for the disposal of old elements in the blood, the formation of the disease leads to the cessation of this function, the tests indicate a predominance of mature forms;
- diseases of the respiratory tract and heart, infectious pathologies - a large number of young or reticular types of elements are observed;
- primary pulmonary hypertension;
- Pickwick's syndrome caused by obesity, pulmonary insufficiency, high blood pressure.
Less dangerous sources of development of an increased number of red blood cells include:
- lack of digestive enzymes;
- dehydration due to heat or prolonged physical activity;
- low-quality water: with chlorine, contaminated, highly carbonated;
- vitamin deficiency or deficiency due to liver dysfunction;
- smoking.
Against the backdrop of a large number of reasons causing changes in tests, only a doctor can correctly determine the original source of the deviation.
Prevention of increased red blood cells
The cause of the increased production of red blood cells is determined by the doctor. To maintain normal red blood cell levels, it is enough to adhere to preventive measures.
To avoid increased blood concentrations, it is recommended to drink more fluid. The water must be purified, so it is better to buy it in bottles or collect it from wells.
Eating fresh vegetables and fruits has a good effect on blood composition. They contain many vitamins and microelements that regulate the content of red blood cells.
You can reduce the concentration of red cells in the blood by eliminating foods containing iron from your diet. You will have to give up red meat, liver, beans, lentils, spinach, cabbage, prunes and raisins. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks, smoking or taking aspirin. Regular physical activity will help regulate red blood cell levels.
Normal indicators
The level of red blood cells contained in the bloodstream depends on the gender and age group of the patient. For a healthy person, the following level is acceptable:
- women – 3.7-4.7*1012 per liter;
- men – 4-5.1*1012 per 1 liter.
In childhood, the concentration of corpuscles constantly changes; for each month or day of a newborn’s life, there is a certain standard. Small fluctuations are observed after the first year of life, but the values are not particularly different from the same data for adults. At 12-13 years of age, the indicator is equal to adult values.
Lymphocytes
(Lts)
- cells of the immune system. This is the “officer corps”, among which there are both “executors” and “performers”. But Lc from the general analysis is all lymphocytes, without division into types. In order to analyze them in more detail, an immunological analysis is required, which is more labor-intensive, expensive and takes up to 3-4 days. A decrease or increase in Lc indicates the activity of the immune system: a decrease indicates its weakening, and an increase (with a simultaneous decrease in Xia and Pya of neutrophils) indirectly indicates that there is a viral infection in the body.
Important Additions
Comments are added to any analysis. For example, terms such as “anisocytosis”, “poikilocytosis”, “toxogenic granulation” indicate exposure to various toxins (including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, analgesics that are taken for too long) and essentially indicate the presence of damaged, altered bone cells brain (BM) - in both red and white blood. The appearance of so-called Joly bodies and Cabot rings in the analysis indicates possible pathological processes in the BM associated with the development of blood cancers. The presence of these structures in itself does not mean anything - only that a more detailed examination of the blood, bone marrow, and leukocytes is required. The article was published in the weekly magazine TV 7 / Your Health, No. 43 2009.
Reasons for growth
When red blood cells are elevated in a blood test, the condition is called erythrocytosis. The provocateurs of this are pathological in 98% of cases. If we talk in detail.
Respiratory disorders
Diseases of the upper and lower tracts. They occur quite often and are diverse in nature. If we make a conditional rating of pathological processes, the picture will be like this:
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Laryngitis, tracheitis and other disorders.
It does not matter what kind of disease occurs in a particular clinical case. The point is different. The disruption is accompanied by a critical or slightly less severe drop in the quality of cellular respiration. After all, there is not enough oxygen supplied.
Normally, part of the gas remains motionless. The body simply cannot capture all O2 cells. As part of an emergency response to help itself, the body produces more red blood cells to make the most of the oxygen it receives. Adapt all resources intended to compensate for the condition.
If red blood cells are elevated due to respiratory diseases, this is a bad signal that indicates the development of hypoxia. As for possible symptoms, it depends on the underlying pathological process.
The basic manifestations for all disorders will be:
- Feeling of lack of air.
- Burning in the chest, in the projection of the trachea, bronchi, lungs.
- Discomfort during movements.
- Impaired consciousness.
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness.
- With an infectious genesis of the disorder, an increase in body temperature is possible.
High-quality treatment under the supervision of a pulmonologist is necessary. The issue can be resolved at home or in a hospital.
Several types of medications are used. Glucocorticoids, bronchodilators, antibiotics. It all depends on the pathological process and ways of its correction.
Diabetes
Classic endocrine disease. Accompanied by severe disturbances in cellular respiration and nutrition.
The deviation is characterized by a decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin. Or the substance is produced in insufficient quantities. Both options are equally dangerous.
Why do red blood cells increase? The answer is simple: to compensate for the lack of oxygen, you need more cells that can carry it. As is the case with lung diseases.
Regarding symptoms:
- Breathing disorders.
- Heart problems.
- Decreased vision.
- Blood pressure surges.
- Memory and thinking disorders.
And this is only part of the possible manifestations of the pathological process. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of an endocrinologist.
Includes a triad of actions and activities:
- Loss of body weight.
- Diet correction. A special low-carbohydrate menu is being developed.
- Systematic use of insulin. According to need.
In some cases, the disease cannot be quickly corrected. Resistant forms are treated in a hospital.
Heart dysfunction
Pathologies of various profiles. These include the following anomalous processes:
- IHD. Coronary heart disease.
- Coronary insufficiency. When a meager amount of nutrients and oxygen reaches the myocardium through the arteries of the same name. A particular form of the condition described above is angina pectoris.
- Extreme degree of ischemia, acute disturbance of blood flow. The so-called heart attack.
- This also includes absolutely all possible heart defects. These are mainly valve dysfunctions. Mitral, tricuspid, aortic.
The reason for the increase in red blood cells is still the same - the body’s attempt to restore normal tissue respiration due to a larger number of cells.
The clinical picture is quite typical for all pathological processes of the described kind.
- Rhythm disturbances.
- Pain in the chest. Pressing or burning.
- Exercise intolerance. The so-called decrease in tolerance to it.
- Breathing disorders.
- Disorders of consciousness.
- Problems with motor activity.
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness.
- Tachycardia is the most common and at the same time the most isolated symptom.
Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a cardiologist. If we are talking about defects, they involve a specialized surgeon.
The goal is to quickly correct the disorder and stop its progression. Cardioprotectors are used. Mildronate and similar.
In the case of an anatomical defect, surgery must be performed. Suturing, plastic surgery or prosthetics. Depends on the shape and class of the defect.
Bone marrow disorders
There is also a fairly large group of pathological phenomena. Myeloproliferative diseases are possible when more cells than necessary are produced. Including immature ones.
There are other options as well. In any case, it is the bone marrow itself that is to blame. There are genetic and random, acquired forms of disorders.
Symptoms are invisible. At least in the early stages. Therefore, it is impossible to say for sure that there is a disorder in the functioning of the organ without a special examination.
It is carried out by a hematology specialist. The same goes for treatment. Glucocorticoids are used to slow down the production of formed cells.
If this does not help, suppressants are prescribed. They are much more powerful. The drugs inhibit the synthesis of structures, which is why health problems are possible. They select a strictly adjusted dosage so as not to make things worse.
Anemia
A disorder in which there is not enough hemoglobin in the blood. This substance becomes the main content of red blood cells. It carries oxygen and adds carbon dioxide.
To enhance and normalize tissue respiration, more red blood cells are produced. This does not make any serious sense, at least at advanced stages. Because there is catastrophically little substance.
There are several forms of the pathological process. Iron deficiency, megaloblastic and others. They are treated differently and produce different symptoms.
True, there are always some signs:
- Headache.
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness.
- Coordination problems.
- Brittle hair and nails.
- Bone strength disorders.
- More menacing manifestations are also possible. For example, with aplastic anemia.
Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a hematologist. The goal is to correct the source of the problem. The only way to help a person is conservative, medication.
Iron-based products and vitamin-mineral complexes are used. Other drugs are prescribed.
Infectious diseases
From acute respiratory to tuberculosis, syphilis and other dangerous pathological processes. The body is under stress.
In emergency mode, it functions to increase body temperature and restore normal operation of all systems.
This requires a lot of energy and, of course, oxygen. The transfer takes place on red blood cells. Since more of them are needed, the answer to why the cell concentration increases is obvious.
Symptoms depend on the diagnosis.
The most common signs are:
- Headache.
- Manifestations of general intoxication. Weakness, drowsiness, nausea, aching bones.
- Increased body temperature. Up to 37-39 degrees or more. Again, this is determined by the specific condition.
Recovery is carried out under the supervision of an infectious disease specialist and therapist. Antibiotics and antiviral agents are prescribed. Vitamin and mineral complexes. Antipyretics, also medications of the anti-inflammatory group.
All this to correct conditions. Or rather, to make it easier for the body to do its job. The prognosis is favorable in most cases.
Malignant tumors
A wide group of diseases for which infiltrative growth of neoplasms is typical. Simply put, movement through healthy tissue.
Also, neoplasia of a cancerous nature can metastasize and grow quite quickly. In some cases, this process is incredibly fast.
Regardless of the condition, the increase in the number of red blood cells is due to two main factors:
- If the tumor is intact, it needs more oxygen. Cancer cells are incredibly voracious. Hence the increased need for resources for one’s own growth.
- If decay begins, it is necessary to compensate for intoxication. Because more gases are needed.
Therapy and diagnosis of the pathological process are carried out under the supervision of oncology specialists. There are also related profiles, this is the main one.
The basis for the treatment of cancer is a triad of measures:
- Operation. The key task of the surgeon is to remove the tumor as much as possible. While it is small, it is easier to do this. In some cases, a significant portion of healthy tissue is captured to prevent the tumor from spreading further. Total excision is not always possible, therefore other methods are also practiced.
- Chemotherapy. Special drugs are introduced that kill “fast” cells. The ones that are rapidly dividing. Cytological units of hair, nails and, of course, cancer.
- Radiotherapy. Radiation therapy.
The prognosis depends on the type of oncology.
Burns
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Especially massive ones. When the affected area is significant. In this case, the increase in the concentration of red blood cells is rather temporary, a reflex. Not due to the body’s natural need for help.
The deviation is accompanied by a group of symptoms, usually severe.
- Headache.
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness.
- Intense, sometimes unbearable discomfort at the site of the lesion.
- Impaired consciousness. Stupor, coma and, as a consequence, death from complications are possible.
- Heart disorders. Almost always.
The pathological process requires quick help. A group of specialists is working. Apply ointments and change antiseptic dressings. If possible, skin grafts are prescribed. There are plenty of options.
Therapy is carried out in a hospital, strictly under the supervision of medical personnel.
Vascular disorders
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Mainly represented by vasculitis. Inflammatory processes that affect the internal lining of arteries, veins and capillaries.
But other pathological processes are also possible. Be it malformations, phlebitis, thrombosis.
The point is that blood cannot move along the riverbed at sufficient speed. Hence the disruption of normal nutrition and cellular respiration. The body acts in the only way - it increases the concentration of red blood cells. This, of course, makes little sense.
Recovery is carried out under the supervision of a hematologist and/or vascular surgeon. Depends on the clinical situation.
Several pharmaceutical types are used. Blood thinners are prescribed. Antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants.
For vasculitis, glucocorticoids are used to reduce the strength of the immune response. There are many options, doctors are working on them.
Monocytes
(M)
like neutrophils, they participate in cleansing the body of various aggressors; they usually live on the mucous membranes and in the submucosal layer. Participate in the formation and regulation of the immune response. Their behavior is reminiscent of police officers, because they grab the bacillus and carry it to the lymph node, where “fingerprints” - membranes - are taken from it, and then, based on these data, the Lc produces antibodies - proteins that destroy aggressors. Normally, there are few monocytes in the blood. Their increase indicates inflammation; absence is acceptable if there is no inflammation.
Platelets
(TC)
– the most important element of blood clotting. They store the protein thromboplastin in themselves and, if necessary to urgently stop bleeding, they explode and throw it into the blood. A lack of TC indicates a possible increased bleeding, a threat of bleeding, an excess indicates a tendency to thrombosis. Both are bad. The norm ranges from 180 thousand to 320 thousand. The number of TC in the analysis strongly depends on the state in which the person took the test - nervous, smoked before donating blood, or took alcohol the day before. A deviation from the norm of 10% is acceptable.
Neutrophils
They belong to leukocytes. These are “warrior” cells. They live up to 6 days and are busy guarding the “borders” - the mucous membranes. They are divided into 2 types: segmented-nuclear (Xia) and band-nuclear (Pya). The first are “veterans”, experienced fighters with bacilli, the second are “recruits”, freshly synthesized, inexperienced and weak. Normally, Xia should be 10 times greater than Pia. A change in this ratio towards Pya indicates that there is inflammation, the immune system is tense and throws immature cells into battle. Most often, this picture is observed in prolonged inflammatory conditions.
What indicators does the blood test contain?
Donating blood for testing is necessary during planned hospitalization, to assess the effectiveness of the therapy, and during pregnancy. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, the doctor always prescribes a general blood test. Material for research is taken from a finger or from a vein. The second option is preferable, since venous blood more accurately shows the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
First of all, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are analyzed, as well as:
- Hemoglobin level.
- Erythrocyte indices.
- Hematocrit level.
- Reticulocyte count.
Additionally, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), color and blood clotting period are determined.
An extended study involves indicating the leukocyte formula, including the count of eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, band and segmented neutrophils.
