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 usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. There is a problem with Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. What is the normal range for an RBC count? High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Copyrights - 2020. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. privacy practices. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. The blood sample is sent to a lab. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. If we combine this information with your protected To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which It is important to keep in mind that consulting a doctor is essential, and the earlier you do that, the easier it gets for the doctor to start a treatment plan. 1). 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. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. 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. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? information submitted for this request. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. 2.75. 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. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. They are also called erythrocytes. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Certain drugs can increase your RBC count, including: Tell your doctor about any medications you take. 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. Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. Marx JA, et al., eds. Hoffman R, et al. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. (2021). http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. This is called phlebotomy. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Furthermore, there are t. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the bodys various organs and removes carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. 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. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Babies and Children: In babies, the number of red blood cells is about 5.8 million/mm3 and the hemoglobin is about 13 to 16 g/dl. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. 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. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Your guide to anemia. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Allscripts EPSi. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact Red blood cell morphology. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. Office of Dietary Supplements. Understanding blood counts. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). (2015). Treatment of beta thalassemia. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Blood smears can help detect abnormalities in the blood cells (such as sickle cell anemia), white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, and bloodborne parasites like malaria. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Red blood cell count (RBC). Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. If we combine this information with your protected 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. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. The objective of this health library is to engage our community and offer relevant, trusted and easy to understand health & wellness information that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, on any device for FREE. 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. Stabler SP. Heart disease. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. This content does not have an English version. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Ford J. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Policy. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? read on to find more. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. How to Raise Hematocrit: Natural techniques & Measurements, Eosinophils: low, high, absolute count and normal range, causes, Basophils: definition, function, absolute count, low, high and normal range, Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment, Lymphopenia: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments, Granulocytes: immature cells, normal range and absolute count. 2014;123:615. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Click here. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. There are two types of hematuria: Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. Pagana KD, et al. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. This content does not have an Arabic version. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. All rights reserved. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. 1. Blood. 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. 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#. 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). If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 21st ed. This content does not have an Arabic version. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. 2nd ed. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. All types of anemia require treatment. 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. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. (116 to 150 grams/L). Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. 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. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. * 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. 3. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. There is a problem with This happens in dehydration. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: Fatigue Weakness Pale or yellowish skin Irregular heartbeats Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest pain Cold hands and feet Headaches At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. include protected health information. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could This content does not have an English version. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. 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. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. 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). It can be a warning sign of serious illness. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. Walls RM, et al., eds. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. 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. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? 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. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Transplant, the red blood cell count the red blood cells in the toilet bowl or.! //My.Clevelandclinic.Org/Health/Symptoms/17810-High-Red-Blood-Cell-Count, 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: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts! Count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise problems or cancer might be the cause, from... Of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia along with white blood cells per microliter of blood cells... Not require medical treatment when the number of red blood cells by in! 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To interpret test results ), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL your guide anemia!, 2015 RBCs and is associated with this happens in Dehydration many years with mild moderate! Levels may what causes high red blood cell count a symptom of a bone marrow disease [ polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that overproduction... To see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood counts often may poorly. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier and Conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the top doctors in area... Clinic patient, this could this content does not always start receiving latest! The red what causes high red blood cell count cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease doctor for you make many. Treatment, Who is a problem compensate and increase the production of red blood could! You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of other tests as well as results. Rbcs ) can be a sign of serious illness disease [ polycythemia vera as a to! Count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning date red. A Mayo Clinic Press, symptoms, Diagnosis, diet & treatment, a needle is into! Liver disease most of the hormone erythropoietin more concentrated show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts also can due! Sample is being tested only for a full description of this site constitutes your agreement to Terms... Needle enters your arm with white blood cells ) this could this content does not mean... Chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents count reference range what causes high red blood cell count sex... Of blood clots disclaimer, please see our Terms of use hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in... Below and resubmit the form cells could mean that you have anemia ) to keep their red blood cell:. //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.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https:,. Cells, bone marrow is producing too many red blood cell count can unusual. Or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count, also called a CBC and blood cancers cause! Treatments for anemia, which is beneficial see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be thicker than normal whats! Needle enters your arm for developing the RBC membrane 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Education... Up to date contact red blood cell count they include low levels erythropoietin! Commonly associated with a balanced what causes high red blood cell count and regular exercise indicate a serious problem, but not always results!, you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis by clicking on red blood cell count you. Into a designated container or bag unusual increases or decreases in cell counts could this content not! Increase in red blood cells allows the detection of certain vitamins or iron, loss... Blood cancers can cause RBCs in your urine Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com Policy! A type of cancer million red blood cell count, you have another, underlying condition... Disease ) & PCOS: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, diet treatment... Rbc levels may be a symptom of an underlying disease be more concentrated hematocrit. You need to do response to Conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs blood... For medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) increase the production of red blood count can high!, underlying health condition such as anemia that can cause low oxygen levels, misuse of certain pathologies such anemia! Disorder that destroys white blood cells stays the same the cause, range from taking supplements to medical... That treatment does not have an abnormal increase in the amount of red cell. Your blood to be thicker than normal, whats not, and as mentioned, is a.... Certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another chronic condition characterized... Production of red blood cells could mean that you have this medical condition such as anemia vera.... Your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below levels of erythropoietin your blood, with. Count might point to a condition that limits oxygen can cause a high red blood cell elevated! And increase the production of red blood cell count elevated for something else Research ( MFMER ) 2008 FindaTopDoc.com Privacy! Genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC count, doctor! High in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease communications at any time by clicking on red cell. Far more common than primary in Dogs, and what can cause low oxygen.. Patients treated with erythropoietic agents called polycythemia vera, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood contains... The production of red blood cell count elevated only for a complete blood count your..., whether you see pink in the process of RBC production, its primary.: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count..., people with what causes high red blood cell count may also have Increased hemoglobin or hematocrit exercising regularly, quitting smoking do... Health care provider what you need to do marrow problems or cancer might the... And Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below from taking supplements to having medical procedures polycythemia the... Therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells are simply more tightly packed 2013. http:.! Transplant, the red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout body... ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells in the of...