What does it mean when red blood cells are high? Is it serious?
Mar 29, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
An elevated red blood cell count usually refers to an increased number of red blood cells in the body. The severity depends on the extent of the elevation. In addition, if a person has kidney disease, it often leads to glomerular filtration dysfunction, increased blood viscosity, and a significantly elevated red blood cell count, which indicates a more serious condition.
Elevated red blood cells usually refers to a condition in which the number of red blood cells in the body is higher than normal. Whether it is serious depends on the extent of the elevation.
1. Not serious
If the red blood cell count is only slightly elevated, it is generally caused by physiological factors. For example, insufficient water intake in daily life or excessive sweating after intense physical activity can lead to hemoconcentration, resulting in a relatively increased red blood cell count during blood tests. This is considered a normal phenomenon and typically does not require special treatment.
2. Serious
Elevated red blood cells may also result from pathological causes, which are usually more serious. For instance, lung diseases often cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and elevated red blood cell counts, accompanied by coughing and sputum production. In such cases, medications like procaterol hydrochloride tablets or sustained-release theophylline tablets should be taken orally under medical supervision to effectively relieve symptoms.
In addition, kidney diseases may also lead to glomerular filtration dysfunction and increased blood viscosity, causing elevated red blood cell levels. If the condition is severe, timely treatment such as stent transplantation surgery may be necessary under a doctor's guidance.
