A blood test often reveals that the patient has elevated red blood cells. A similar condition of the body is called erythrocytosis. But why is there a violation of the normal number of red blood cells?
Physiological erythrocytosis
Red blood cells - blood cells that perform mainly a transport function. In particular, they are responsible for the transfer of carbon dioxide and oxygen. An increase in their number may be associated with various factors of the external or internal environment. For example, in professional athletes, the level of red blood cells is always higher, which is associated with constant physical activity.
The same condition is typical for residents of high mountain regions, since there the oxygen concentration in the air is always higher than, say, in a big city. In some cases, red blood cells are increased due to constant stress or dehydration.
Such a change in the blood formula does not pose a serious danger to the body (with the exception of dehydration) and is considered quite normal.
Red blood cells increased? Abnormal erythrocytosis
Pathological erythrocytosis - an increase in the number of red blood cells, which is associated with impaired normal functioning of certain systems of the human body. Here are just the most common reasons:
Red blood cells are often elevated due to congenital or acquired heart defects. If the myocardium does not cope with its task, then the organs receive an insufficient amount of blood - over time, oxygen starvation of tissues develops. In this case, erythrocytosis is a compensatory reaction of the body.
The reasons can also include violations of the respiratory system, in which the blood is not saturated with oxygen enough. In such cases, the same reaction develops, as a result of which an increase in the number of red blood cells can be observed.
Red blood cells are increased and due to diseases of the bone marrow, where they mature.
Quite often, the blood formula changes with infectious diseases.
Cancer can also be the cause, in particular damage to the liver or kidneys. The fact is that it is these organs that are responsible for the disposal of old blood cells. If their normal functioning is disturbed, it is mature forms of blood cells that predominate in the body.
Red blood cells are elevated: what to do?
Naturally, with such blood tests, you need to see a doctor. It is simply impossible to independently determine the cause of erythrocytosis. After a series of studies and additional tests, the doctor will make the final diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Most often, when the cause is eliminated, the level of red blood cells returns to normal.
Red blood cells in the urine In fact, the presence in the urine of an increased amount of red blood cells can sometimes be noticed with the naked eye, since it acquires a reddish color. Sometimes a certain condition leads to the intake of certain drugs that increase the permeability of renal structures and blood vessels. Nevertheless, in most cases, the presence of blood in the urine indicates diseases of the genitourinary system - it can be pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, certain kidney injuries, urolithiasis, and cancer of the excretory apparatus. In any case, more research is needed to establish the cause.