Erythrocytes - red blood cells - are normally denuclearized biconcave cells in the form of disks with enlightenment in the center and annular thickening along the edges. The ultrastructure of the erythrocyte is monotonous. Its contents are filled with gentle granulation( diameter of granules 4-5 nm), which is identified with hemoglobin.
A physician may prescribe such an analysis if he has reason to believe that the patient has a disease that affects the level of red blood cells and / or signs of a decreased concentration of hemoglobin.
An analysis of the level of red blood cells is carried out, for example, with anemia, complaints of frequent nasal bleeding and / or formation of hematomas without apparent causes, increased fatigue, drowsiness. In addition, such an analysis is carried out during a routine examination of the patient, and in preparation for a surgical operation.
When the volume of erythrocytes in the blood is reduced, it is fraught with the development of anemia. In this case, the process of oxygen diffusion in the body and the removal of carbon dioxide are disturbed. The state of the body, in which erythrocytes are lowered, is usually considered an indicator of the mass of diseases.
The norm of erythrocytes in the blood
If we talk about the norm of red blood cells in the blood of man, then there are some differences. The level of erythrocytes in the blood contains the following indices in:
- of a newborn child : 4.3-7.6 million in μL;
- children to 13 years: 3.5-4.7 million in μL;
- of women : 3.7-4.7 million in μL;
- of male : 4.0-5.3 million in μL.
If erythrocytes in the blood are lowered, a person should be given additional tests. The reduced index is a consequence of serious abnormalities in the body, many of which require immediate treatment. It is important to monitor the level of erythrocytes in the period of gestation. This will avoid serious deviations in the development of the baby and the further generic process.
Blood erythrocyte level during pregnancy
The number of erythrocytes during pregnancy can be reduced to 3.5 and even 3.0 x10¹² / l, which many experts consider to be the norm.
Reducing the number of erythrocytes in the blood during pregnancy is explained, on the one hand, by dilution of blood due to a delay in the body of the pregnant woman of water, and on the other hand, by a certain decrease in the formation of red blood cells due to a lack of iron that is observed in almost all pregnant girls.
Symptoms of
When the number of red blood cells goes down, a person notices changes in the functioning of the body and everyday life:
- lethargy;
- weakness;
- drowsiness;
- decreased blood pressure;
- sometimes cold and moist skin;
- rapid pulse;
- chronic fatigue;
- pale shade of skin and mucous membranes;
- for chronic disease - syncope;
- the retardation, slowness of actions.
Many factors influence the level of red blood cells in the blood, we'll talk in more detail below.
Causes of decreased red blood cells in the blood
Why in the blood red blood cells are lowered, what does this mean? This phenomenon is the medical term erythropenia or erythrocytopenia and suggests that the blood has less red blood cells than it should be in the normal state of the body. In most cases, the reduction of erythrocyte cells is due to anemia, which can result from a large loss of blood or iron deficiency.
We list the possible causes, because of which the erythrocytes in the blood are diagnosed below the norm:
- suffered blood loss;
- all varieties of anemia;
- iron deficiency;
- hemolysis;
- leukemia;
- myeloma;
- metastasis due to the growth of malignant tumors;
- a hotbed of chronic inflammation in the body;
- hyperhydration( accumulation of excess fluid in soft tissues and mucous membranes).
Remember that if red blood cells are lowered in your blood without obvious natural causes( pregnancy, blood loss, for example, after a donation), it is a serious factor to consult a doctor for an examination. Blood and its regular analysis help us to notice the disease even in the embryonic stage and do everything so that it does not develop into a more complex form.
What should I do?
If a patient has low red blood cells in the blood, a number of additional tests and tests should be performed to determine the cause of this condition.
When a disease that leads to erythropenia becomes known, a specific treatment is targeted to eliminate the underlying cause. When the drop in the level of red blood cells is associated with bleeding, it is necessary to eliminate it.