How to set the number of red blood cells?
To determine the number of red cells, it is necessary to donate blood from a finger. In some diseases, as a result, increased red blood cells are detected, however, there are few such pathologies, although they are quite serious in nature. This phenomenon is called erythrocytosis in medicine, but not only diseases can lead to its development.
Red blood cell function
The main task of red blood cells is the transfer of oxygen to various cells of the human body and the removal of carbon dioxide from it. In addition, they provide nutrition at the cellular level and protect the body from various
toxic substances. In addition to all of the above, it is these blood components that are responsible for acid balance, ensuring the normal process of
blood coagulation and participating in vital biochemical processes. The average lifespan of one such cell is approximately 4 months, after which it ages and is destroyed in the spleen.
Elevated red blood cells indicate the presence of some malfunctions in the body, being the first alarm signal indicating internal changes.
The reasons for the increase in the volume of red blood cells:
- use of dirty, highly carbonated or chlorinated water;
- lack of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of food;
- hot weather;
- excessive physical activity;
- lack of fluid in the body;
- lack of vitamins;
- liver failure;
- kidney disease;
- inflammation of an infectious and non-infectious nature;
- anemia;
- intoxication;
- blood diseases;
- malignant neoplasms;
- a heart attack;
- vaccination;
- stroke;
- exposure to harmful radiation;
- stay on top.
The physiological conditions in which there is an increased volume of red blood cells include the menstrual period, pregnancy, and the use of certain medications. For example, the use of calcium chloride and acetylsalicylic acid.
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation
This phenomenon is observed in inflammatory diseases, infections and tumors. An analysis to determine the number of red blood cells is prescribed as a
screening study during routine examinations. As a rule, such a test is used not to identify a specific disease, but in a complex of general analyzes. In order for the analysis to show the most reliable result, it must be carried out on an empty stomach, otherwise elevated red blood cells that have nothing to do with the disease may be found. However, not only volume, but also the shape of red blood cells plays a large role for the human body. For example, a high content of oval red blood cells, which have different sizes, indicates a deficiency of B vitamins and folic acid. In some cases, halves of these cells are found in the blood, which indicates an increase in the number of
free radicals. If the analysis showed elevated red blood cells, do not panic, because very often this phenomenon is provoked by hot weather or prolonged work on the computer.