Red blood cells (also called red blood cells) play a direct role in the work of the whole human body. They have a lot of important functions, the main of which is the utilization of carbon dioxide and the transfer of oxygen to all tissues and systems of internal organs. However, very often analyzes show an overestimated blood content of these cells. Why does the child have red blood cells?
general information
The main components of the blood are precisely red blood cells. Their total content is several times higher than the number of other shaped elements. These blood cells have the correct shape; they look like a disc slightly thickened around the edges. This structure is not accidental. It helps them when passing through the entire circulatory system to be maximally enriched with oxygen and even carbon dioxide.
Red blood cells form in the bone marrow under the influence of a kidney hormone called erythropoietin. At about 2/3 they are composed of hemoglobin. The lifespan of such cells is approximately 120 days. The process of their destruction occurs mainly in the spleen, as well as in the liver.
In the normal physiological state in the body, continuous production of red bodies is observed. However, very often analyzes show that red blood cells are elevated. The reasons for such changes are explained not only by serious diseases, but also by the usual dehydration of the body or the use of low-quality drinking water.
Red blood cell function
- Saturation of tissues with oxygen.
- Transporting carbon dioxide to the lungs.
- Participation in the immune system.
- Maintaining an acid-brush balance.
- The transfer of amino acids from the digestive system to the tissues.
Normative indicators
Before considering the question of why the red blood cells in the child’s blood are elevated, it’s worth understanding those indicators that are considered normal.
They are measured in quantitative terms per one liter of blood. In this matter, the age of the child is of great importance. Depending on this factor, normative indicators of the content of red blood cells are as follows:
- In newborns - 5.4-7.2 x 10 12 units / liter.
- 1-12 months - 3.0-5.4 x 10 12 units / liter.
- 1-12 years - 3.6-4.9 x 10 12 units / liter.
- In adolescence, the number of red blood cells reaches adult levels and remains at that level.
Why are red blood cells in the blood of a child elevated? Causes
A condition in which there is an increase in the content of red bodies in the blood is called erythrocytosis. In young patients, this pathology is usually determined by physiological factors that are not directly related to diseases. For example, children involved in sports are often diagnosed with high levels of oxygen "transporters" in the blood.
This situation is explained very simply. With constant physical exertion, the human body needs increased and regular supply of oxygen. As a result, there is a quantitative increase in the red blood cells responsible for this function.
The same can be said about children who live in mountainous areas. If the red blood cells are elevated in the child, in this case this is considered the norm.
Among the negative reasons affecting the occurrence of this problem, passive smoking can be called. This, as a rule, occurs in families where parents are likened to this bad habit. The children's body is trying to independently compensate for the lack of oxygen.
In some cases, red blood cells are elevated in a child due to poor-quality drinking water. Here we are talking primarily about dirty, excessively chlorinated and highly carbonated liquids. It is for this reason that residents of cities and small villages where there is no normal water supply, the level of “transporters” of oxygen in the blood differs from standard indicators.
Why are red blood cells elevated? The reasons for the pathological nature
Erythrocytosis associated with serious diseases requires an exclusively qualified treatment approach. Below we list its most common causes of pathological nature:
- Heart disease at a congenital level.
- Various kinds of blood diseases.
- Prolonged dehydration with diarrhea or vomiting.
- Obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Obesity.
- Bone marrow impairment.
The most terrible diagnosis, in which the level of red blood cells in a child is elevated , is cancer of the kidneys and liver.
What can be the consequences of erythrocytosis for the body?
As noted above, the lifespan of the “transporters” of oxygen is 120 days. When this period comes to an end, red cells begin to break down in the spleen. In the case of excessive functionality, they die much faster. At the same time, the process of their constant synthesis is activated in the bone marrow itself to make up for the existing deficiency.
A consequence of excessive saturation of red blood cells is considered to be a violation of the normal functioning of almost all systems of internal organs and tissues. Blood noticeably becomes thicker, which is reflected in respiration, the functionality of the cerebral cortex. In addition, the liver, kidneys and the spleen itself increase in size. Such complications in the absence of timely treatment can result in the death of a person.
In the case of a chronic course of erythrocytosis, no obvious deviations are observed. The thing is that the body manages to make up for the negative consequences of increased production of red bodies, but sooner or later its possibilities run out.
What to do? What should be the treatment?
It should be noted that erythrocytosis should not be taken as a separate disease. It only indicates the presence of adverse factors or serious pathology. An extremely qualified specialist can determine why red blood cells are elevated in a child, and then give recommendations for treatment.
It is also important, in conjunction with drug therapy, to take additional measures to normalize the level of red blood cells. It is recommended that the child be given enough fluid (about 1.5 liters per day). Water must be well cleaned of chlorine impurities, because this substance is often the cause of this problem.
The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables. Such nutrition also contributes to the formation of the correct form of red bodies.
If the red blood cells are elevated in the child, most likely he has thick blood. Experts recommend diversifying the diet with products that contribute to its thinning. This is primarily oatmeal, various berries, green apples, cocoa, tomatoes, etc.
In especially serious cases, the doctor may prescribe special drugs aimed at diluting the blood. They should be taken with extreme caution, observing the recommended dosage.
Conclusion
In this article, we described in as much detail as possible why red blood cells can be raised, what this means and what measures should be taken to eliminate this problem. In any case, it is not recommended to try to independently determine the cause of the pathology. It is better to seek medical advice in a timely manner and not risk the health of the child.