Home Blood problemsAnemia Low red blood cells: causes, symptoms and treatment

Low red blood cells: causes, symptoms and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The erythrocytes, also called erythrocytes or red blood cells, blood cells are necessary to carry oxygen from the lungs to all living tissues of the body. This is because they contain a protein called hemoglobin. In addition, red blood cells help remove carbon dioxide from our bodies.

They are estimated to be between 4.5 and 6 million red blood cells per microliter of blood in men, while women have between 4 and 5.5 million. Having a lower level of red blood cells can be caused by external factors such as bleeding or factors more intrinsic to their deficient production in the body. Not having enough healthy red blood cells can mean that a person is anemic. There are other diseases for which you could have a low level of red blood cells that should also be taken into account. At FastlyHealwe tell you in detail the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments for low red blood cells.

Diagnosis of red blood cell or red blood cell levels

The whole blood test is the test to check the levels of red blood cells or red blood cells. A blood cell count can be made per microliter of Blood through a blood sample, generally drawn from a vein in the arm. It is a test that does not pose any risk and must be performed on an empty stomach so that the Blood is as clean as possible. The size of veins and arteries varies from person to person, so that drawing blood can be more difficult in some people than in others. Sometimes patients experience dizziness or fainting after extraction, but in any case, these are mild and temporary consequences.

Typical levels in men are between 4.5 and 6, while in women, they range between 4 and 5.5 million. Still, the results of a blood test should be interpreted with the help of a specialist.

Causes of low red blood cells

A low level of red blood cells is usually associated with anemia. Possible causes of anemia are due to:

  • Malnutrition or poor diet. The body needs nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to make enough red blood cells, especially iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. In addition, we must include foods rich in iron in our diet.
  • Slow loss of Blood In some cases, periods of anemia are related to heavy menstruation periods.
  • Changes in the lining of the stomach or intestines can change the way nutrients are absorbed.
  • Surgical operations that affect the intestines or stomach.
  • Pregnancy. The deficiency of red blood cells or red blood cells is one of the most frequent conditions during pregnancy. During this period, the woman’s body increases blood by up to 50%, requiring a more significant amount of iron for the hemoglobin it supplies to the baby and the placenta.
  • Consume certain drugs such as quinidine, hydantoin, or chemotherapeutic drugs. These medicines can lower the level of red blood cells.

Even so, there are other possible reasons apart from anemia, such as:

  • Leukemia. It is a cancer of the Blood where white blood cells increase.
  • Bone marrow cancer is called multiple myeloma since the bone marrow has a vital role in producing red blood cells in the body.

Symptoms of low red blood cells

The most common indicators of having low red blood cells due to anemia are:

  • Headache.
  • I am feeling weak or tired more often or with exercise.
  • Concentration problems.
  • Bad mood.

In slightly more severe phases, there are also cases of:

  • Brittle nails
  • Dizziness when standing up
  • Pale skin color.
  • Sore tongue.
  • Difficulty breathing after performing some physical activity or even at rest.

Treatment of low red blood cells

Treatment will vary depending on the condition you have. If it is due to anemia, treatment may include:

  • Blood transfusions.
  • Corticosteroids or other medicines suppress the immune system.
  • Erythropoietin. It consists of a hormone that helps produce red blood cells in the bone marrow.
  • Iron supplements, vitamin B12, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals.

The goal of treatment for red blood cell deficiency will always focus on trying to increase the count of these, in addition to locating the cause behind it to combat it and solve the root problem. It is essential to go to the doctor when we detect some of the symptoms of low red blood cells since otherwise, these could be aggravated, endangering our health.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Low red blood cells: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend entering our category of Blood, heart and circulation .

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