Low rbc what does it mean

A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. This is called anemia. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Some of these include:. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition.

These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. But if the cause is a nutritional deficiency, medication use, or a chronic condition, there may be things you can do to not only improve your blood count but your overall health too. If you have a high RBC count:.

If you have a low RBC count including anemia :. A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick.

Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Blood count tests.

Published June 2, Understanding blood counts. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Front Physiol. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute.

Iron-deficiency anemia. Red blood cell count RBC. Updated April 10, Ford J. Red blood cell morphology. Int Jnl Lab Hem. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. Red blood cell count. Red blood cells contain a substance called haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body.

A normal RBC count would be: men — 4. A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration for example, from severe diarrhoea low blood oxygen levels hypoxia pulmonary fibrosis a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs Read more about the red blood cell count at Lab Tests Online UK. What is it used for? Why do I need a red blood cell count? Symptoms of a low red blood cell count include: Weakness Fatigue Pale skin Rapid heartbeat Symptoms of a high red blood cell count include: Headache Dizziness Vision problems.

What happens during a red blood cell count? Will I need to do anything to prepare for this test? You don't need any special preparations for a red blood cell RBC count. Are there any risks to this test?

What do the results mean? A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration Heart disease Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made Scarring of the lungs, often due to cigarette smoking Lung disease Kidney cancer If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about an RBC count? These include: Reticulocyte count , a test that counts the number of reticulocytes in the blood. Reticulocytes are red blood cells that are still developing. These are also known as immature red blood cells. Iron tests , which measure iron levels in the blood.

Iron is essential for making red blood cells. Vitamin B test , which measures the amount of one or more B vitamins in the blood. B vitamins are important for making red blood cells.