Elevated red blood cells: physiological red blood cells
Red blood cells are red blood cells whose main function is the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In the alveoli of the lungs, the red bodies are saturated with oxygen and carry it throughout the body. Hemoglobin also forms compounds with an metabolic product such as carbon dioxide, carrying it to the lung tissues. Quite often, during laboratory analysis, it is found that the patient has elevated red blood cells in the blood. In fact, a similar problem can arise under the influence of many factors, both external and internal environment. Sometimes the causes of erythrocytosis are completely harmless, but in most cases, such a violation indicates the presence of the disease. The so-called physiological erythrocytosis is also associated with this function of red blood cells. Elevated red blood cells in the blood are observed in residents of high mountain regions, where the concentration of oxygen and air is much higher. The same applies to professional athletes, as their body absorbs much more oxygen. In fact, this is a completely normal phenomenon that does not require treatment.
Elevated red blood cells and related diseases
Unfortunately, the causes of erythrocytosis are far from always so harmless. Quite often, such a violation indicates the presence of serious diseases:
- For example, elevated red blood cells in a child’s blood may be the result of severe dehydration. Indeed, in childhood, even vomiting and diarrhea can lead to such a violation. In adulthood, erythrocytosis from dehydration is diagnosed much less often, but nevertheless it is possible.
- An increase in the number of red blood cells often occurs as a compensatory reaction for various heart diseases. After all, if the heart muscle does not cope with its work, then, therefore, the tissues do not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen, as a result of which erythrocytosis appears.
- Quite often, elevated red blood cells in the blood can also indicate pathologies of the respiratory system, for example, bronchitis, inflammation, rhinitis, intense allergic reactions. After all, if the lumen of the respiratory tract decreases, then, accordingly, the amount of inhaled oxygen decreases.
- Sometimes a similar problem is associated with a malfunction of the bone marrow, which begins to produce an increased number of red blood cells.
- In some cases, erythrocytosis can signal cancer of the liver and kidneys.
Elevated red blood cells in the urine
Another fairly common problem is the presence of a large number of red blood cells in the urine. With such violations, it is worthwhile to immediately conduct additional studies and begin treatment. After all, the presence of blood impurities in the urine often indicates the presence of serious problems. In particular, such a violation is observed in acute and chronic glomerulonephritis. The same symptom appears with the formation of kidney stones. The formation of tumors (malignant or benign) in the tissues of the kidneys or urinary canal is also accompanied by an increase in the number of red blood cells in the urine.