HIGH Red Blood Cell count?

darn I sure dont know I know they count my white blood cells for my cancer comes back goood every time thanks goodness. SO hope there is nothing to do with cancer at all hugsssssssssssssssssssss

There are quite a lot of possible causes of a high red blood cell count and not all of them are TOO bad. This site is pretty thorough: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-red-blood-cell-count/MY00111/DSECTION=causes Does your niece smoke? Smoking can reduce the oxygen level of the blood and the body will compensate by manufacturing more red blood cells to carry more oxygen where it's needed. It could be as simple as that. I know it's hard not to worry but there really is no need to worry UNLESS and until bad news is received. Of course, with a proper diagnosis, proper treatment can begin. Let's just hope it's something very simple, something that a slight change of lifestyle or eating habit will cure.

Hi koalatbs~ I see that you have already gotten the "medical explanations" and possibilities. I will give you one that I know of personally. My father had Polycythemia, which means you have too many red blood cells, too much iron in the blood- the opposite sort of leukemia which is too many white blood cells. It can be controlled by taking a pint of blood to thin the cells and by taking medication. It can lead to heart disease, but if caught early it can remain under control.

I was thinking that a high count of white bloos cells usually pointed to cancer but I am by no means a doctor. I sis recently see where the spleen and liver actually have a lot to do with the red blood cell count. Has she suffered a fall or a hit to the stomach recently? Wreck or anything?

Koalatbs- You've already been given links to the Mayo for common ailments so I thought I'd add in a link for alternative medicine. I believe greatly in the use of Chinese practices as they are not invasive. Most of Western medicine wants to cut someone open they minute they find something, and it's not something I'm willing to do just willy nilly. I found a link that talks about a particular blend of herbs that helps with those who have a high red blood cell count. You can use the link to search for other articles in the TCM journal as well. I would encourage you to look for a certified Asian practitioner in your area that may be able to help your niece without the use of harsh meds or procedures. http://www.aworldofchinesemedicine.com/resist.htm Namaste- Anora

Hi High red blood cell count is known as erythrocythemia. There are a number of conditions which can result in a high red blood cell count. Some conditions cause only erythrocythemia while others result in proliferation of all blood cells. So what are counts like for other blood cells?

Well my friend my thoughts and Prayers are with your niece and this situation at this time. Hopefully like others are suggesting it is nothing to be concerned about. I know at times I have the opposite and find my anemia acting up and other things so it can be frustrating for sure. Keep us updated and wishing you all the Best.

Causes By Mayo Clinic staff A high red blood cell count may occur because: * Red blood cell production increases to compensate for low oxygen levels due to poor heart or lung function * The kidneys release too much of a protein (erythropoietin, or EPO) that enhances red blood cell production * The bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells * The oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells is impaired * Red blood cell production increases to compensate for limited oxygen at higher altitudes * The loss of blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, creates relatively high levels of red blood cells http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-red-blood-cell-count/MY00111/DSECTION=causes

Depends on what type of cells and what tests were done. Hemoglobin is usually good if it is high- between 17-20ish. Low hemoglobin is a sign of anemia. There are white blood cells which help fight infection. If they are too high or too low there is a problem.

i looked it up and from what i can see it means you have too much iron.

hi koalatbs wow she had too many red blood cells and if I do not take my iron each day I get even paler and am so so tired. I am anemic not enough red blood cells. I bet she has been takingv multivitamins that have too high an iron dosage for her. some of these vitamins have double and triple the amounts actually needed and i think iron has a tendency to stay in the body longer. if she has too much she will have too many red blood cells. just too much of a good thing.hope they figure out for sure whats causing it and get her back to being healthy again.

I'm not sure but I wonder if it could have anything to do with her iron. Or maybe her blood pressure. I'm sure the doctor is checking everything out. Just pray that it turns out to be nothing serious. I'm sure there are many different reasons why a person could have a high blood cell count.

My initial thought would be that she probably has too much iron in her blood. I know that my husband has been through kidney stones throughout the course of the last year and they did tell him that he has a higher number of red blood cells in his blood than is normal and they've suggested that he cut back on his consumption of red meat (known to have a lot of iron in it). I certainly hope that you and your niece get the answers that you desire soon.

let him eat lots of fruits and green vegetables. also, let him drink some juices.

You could probably look it up online. I know a high white blood count is a sign of infection but don't think I've heard about an elevated red blood count.Try medtv or mayo clinic. They both have lot of information I have found very useful~