What does a decreased RBC indicate?
A low RBC count, also known as anemia, can affect the body’s ability to transport oxygen and nutrients around the cardiovascular system. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations. The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. This can result from blood loss, malnutrition, or kidney problems.
What is the main cause of low RBC?
Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include: Aplastic anemia. Cancer. Certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions.
What do RBC levels indicate?
A red blood cell (RBC) count is almost always part of a complete blood count, a group of tests that measure many different parts and features of your blood. The RBC measurement is used to help diagnose red blood cell disorders, such as anemia, a condition in which your body does not make enough healthy red blood cells.
What level of RBC is dangerously low?
A severe low hemoglobin level for men is 13.5 gm/dL or lower. For women, a severe low hemoglobin level is 12 gm/dL.
How can I increase RBC count?
Eating an iron-rich diet can increase your body’s production of RBCs.
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Iron-rich foods include:
- red meat, such as beef.
- organ meat, such as kidney and liver.
- dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale.
- dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins.
- beans.
- legumes.
- egg yolks.
What should I do if my red blood count is low?
If your RBC count is low, your body has to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout your body.
How do you treat low red blood cell count?
There’s no specific treatment for this type of anemia. Doctors focus on treating the underlying disease. If symptoms become severe, a blood transfusion or injections of a synthetic hormone normally produced by your kidneys (erythropoietin) might help stimulate red blood cell production and ease fatigue.
What cancers cause low blood count?
Some cancer treatments, mainly chemotherapy, may lower your body’s white blood cells. Cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow can also lower the count. These types of cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.