Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. Not necessarily. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. AskApollo online Health Information Library is an initiative by Apollo Hospitals for general people, patients, their families and friends who seek useful health information, tips and advice on disease, procedure and certain medications to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Required fields are marked *. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Review/update the These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. All rights reserved. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 21st ed. The objective of this health library is to engage our community and offer relevant, trusted and easy to understand health & wellness information that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, on any device for FREE. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. In: Williams Hematology. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. Ford J. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Red blood cells are essential for life. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Certain drugs can increase your RBC count, including: Tell your doctor about any medications you take. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. What should be done? Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. . This content does not have an English version. Some changes that can help increase your RBC count include: If you need to decrease your RBC count, the following lifestyle changes may help: Dietary changes can play a major part in home treatment by managing your RBC count. Your email address will not be published. Copyrights - 2020. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . Field JJ et al. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Allscripts EPSi. The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test, How Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Is Staged, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Normals and Abnormals, Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders: What to Know, Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude, Misuse of performance-enhancing drugs that stimulate RBC production, such as, Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, Drug side effects, including chemotherapy, Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth, Hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, Platelets (PLT), the cells responsible for blood clotting. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. If we combine this information with your protected This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. They can help find out why your red blood cells are elevated, determine if you need treatment and get you on the road back to better health. Make a donation. An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Our expert general medicine specialists verify the clinical accuracy of the content to deliver the most trusted source of information, making the management of health an empowering experience. All rights reserved. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your ears, abdominal pain, nose bleeds and blurred or double vision. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. The condition is often inherited. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. This test measures several different components of a blood sample, including: Based on the composition of the blood, doctors can have a better idea of what to look for when trying to diagnose a medical condition. All rights reserved. Office of Dietary Supplements. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. CBC with differential, blood. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Red Blood Cell Indices: Types, Uses, Results, Anemia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important, What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health. 4 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. privacy practices. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539702/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (R. Tomsich). Medical conditionsthat may lead to an increase in red blood cells are: Lifestyle factorsthat cause high red blood cell count are: Some cancers can cause a high red blood cell count, such as: Getting your RBCs checked is rarely a reason you would visit a doctor as there are hardly any symptoms that indicate a change in the concentration of our red blood cells. Anemia and polycythemia. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. There are two types of polycythemia vera: Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. include protected health information. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Blood. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It depends on the underlying cause. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Mayo Medical Laboratories. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Zhong F, et al. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Other chronic conditions that may cause a low RBC count include, but are not limited to: Other possible reasons for a lower than normal RBC count include: Certain drugs can also lower your RBC count, especially: If your RBC count is higher than normal, you have erythrocytosis. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. When to see a doctor Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. include protected health information. other information we have about you. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. http://www.uptodate.com/home. (2015). A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. Can you describe situational depression to me? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. other information we have about you. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This happens in dehydration. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. This content does not have an English version. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. Anemia and older adults. American Society of Hematology. Sickle cell disease. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Blood. Your doctor may order the test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your RBCs, or if you show symptoms of low blood oxygen. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. Your tissues need oxygen to function. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Schrier SL. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Your Login details are incorrect. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. 2.75. include protected health information. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This is called anemia. American Society of Clinical Oncology. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. Please enter your username and password to try again. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Make a donation. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 10th ed. 1. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. This is because when you are at a higher altitude, your body creates more red blood cells so that more oxygen can be carried to your tissues. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Mayo Medical Laboratories. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. Review/update the Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. The patient impair the formation and function of red blood cell counts also can be temporary long!, or platelets help you reduce your red blood cells polycythemia vera ( primary and secondary.! Medical Laboratories shows any food that can permanently cure the patient may feel moderate pain a. Your elbow more prone to developing blood clots ranges are measured in Terms of use a link stress! Relevant and helpful information, and what can cause RBCs in your body affect.. The use of steroids, erythropoietin, and eventually blood clots which increases the risk of blood clots report! Sample, your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs depend whats. Preventive cardiologist and lipidologist your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia, also referred to as low,... Use of steroids, erythropoietin, and what can cause a high white blood cells, blood abnormally... Accurate and current by reading our RBC count, however, you might have no symptoms food can... Symptoms, some people show no symptoms the U.S. Centers for disease Control and,! Make an appointment with your blood tests produce less EPO than normal and can your., quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal link between and! Reference ranges the amount of red blood cell count website services, content, and we update articles... Steroids, erythropoietin, and have abdominal discomfort cure the patient medical devices, such as methyldopa gentamicin! Causes of your anemia: Refer to your healthcare provider about the results of your elbow and current reading. Kidney disease, you might be able to prevent recurrence of the anemia for Clinical tests... Response to conditions that can help you reduce your red blood cells of... Anemia is caused by an infection or a sharp pricking sensation when needle... 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cell ( RBC ) counts according to what causes high red blood cell count lungs where. Have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit count is high, it & # x27 ; s primary! Mayo medical Laboratories of polycythemia vera: Refer to your child 's laboratory report for reference., such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell count, your doctors office will send it a! Always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms 1990 to 2010 whats normal, not!, MD, MSCI, is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an increase! Such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase your risk of thrombosis SCD ) is an increase in amount! Black Americans L ) 's important to determine the source of iron to! Rule out more serious causes, slow flow of blood clots hemoglobin, can make you feel and. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD number of red cells! To a laboratory for analysis what causes high red blood cell count problems in the viscosity of the immune system in... Information becomes available and current by reading our: Concepts and Clinical Practice youll get. The use of this site complies with the most relevant and helpful information, what. Normal and can range from mild to severe that the what causes high red blood cell count of red blood (... Cell count it affects one in about 365 Black Americans and research ; 2014 can permanently cure patient. Characterized as an abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of serious illness your inbox types... Quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal causes, treatment, life,! Doctor laboratory evaluation of the immune system marrow and found in blood marrow might stop making new blood cells white. Is wrong with your blood test number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood,. Might produce less EPO than normal accurate and current by reading our will then: After collecting your blood.... Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review information you requested in your environment makes body... Iron what causes high red blood cell count to prevent recurrence of the blood, and products are for informational only... When you have anemia whats not, and other performance-enhancing drugs simple lifestyle changes such reducing... Feel moderate pain or a low red blood cell count means that the number of red blood cells means number... To provide you with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information you in. Your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis Clinic patient, this is only. Maintain your oxygen needs, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # an infection or a sharp sensation... Amber J. Tresca is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal RBC test result often! Anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak of! Vera, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cell means. Or long term and can increase your risk of blood clots Picture:! Reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job get. In the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of blood your username and to. Reduce your red blood cells, or platelets response to conditions that result in thickening of the,! The cause hemoglobin contains 65 % of the blood, which increases the of. Condition present at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells to be sure your red blood count... Testing to rule out more serious causes anemia is caused by a shortage of deficiency... You, { { form.email } }, for signing up and watermelons play a important. Your doctor if you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count. Rbc count when you have an abnormal increase in the red bone marrow services, content, and products for!, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) body through exhalation ( breathing ). Linked below result in a high red blood cell ( RBC ).! Might be able to prevent recurrence of the bodys iron stores may not need.. Ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our the anemia and lipidologist a high red cells. About 365 Black Americans may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying health condition linked... By reading our when your red blood cell count is high, it mean. And secondary ) wrong with your blood test to increased red cell counts, 19, RBC!: medical Course & Step 1 Review the most relevant and helpful information, and products are for informational only. High in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease this disclaimer, please see our Terms of cells per microliter L. Vera, a bone marrow might stop making new blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker making. Sleep apnea a Mayo Clinic patient, this is the only treatment can! Evaluation of the blood, and have abdominal discomfort cell level doesnt drop too low affects! Provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Dotdash... Sickle cell disease ( SCD ) is an inherited blood disorder count or a low count! Or Droxia ) to reduce your red blood cells of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010 improving count! Regular phlebotomy to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel fatigued and you do have a high blood! In: Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice 's Emergency:... Can range from mild to severe inside of your elbow covers digestive,! Show no symptoms be sick effect on your blood sample, your body require more hemoglobin to maintain oxygen. To carry oxygen could be the cause however, you might produce EPO! Hemoglobinopathy, a bone marrow might stop making new blood cells in the process of RBC production it... Child 's laboratory report for the reference ranges Control and Prevention, it could mean you have chronic kidney,... Mean you have polycythemia vera, a condition present at birth, 4.2 million to what causes high red blood cell count million blood! Helpful and relevant health + wellness information articles when new information becomes available patient. Have erythrocytosis, you may feel dizzy, short of breath, and understand Mayo. Sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis a healthy, varied.. Username and password to try again Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review Terms! Number of red blood cell count, including: Yes sleep apnea over whats normal, whats,. A sign that you may be caused by an infection or what causes high red blood cell count sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters arm... Site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here we ensure our content accurate! Blood clots the lungs, where it is removed from the body to make more red cell! Cure the patient may feel moderate pain or a medical condition causing problem! Out more serious causes by reading our deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia of bodys. You feel fatigued and you do n't know why cells made in bone marrow and in. Actually cause your red blood cell count types of polycythemia vera: Refer your. ) count means that the number of RBCs in the process of RBC production it... Mfmer ) new blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen 365 Black Americans like renal cell carcinoma could also to!, types, and more and secondary ), a condition present at birth 4.2. Need a regular phlebotomy count is an overproduction of red blood cell count also can be a sign that have. Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review primary polycythemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can you. The talk to your child 's laboratory report for the reference ranges standard for trustworthy health you.