What are the symptoms of microcytic anemia. How is microcytic anemia diagnosed. What are the different types of microcytic anemia. How is microcytic anemia treated. What causes small blood cells in anemia. Can microcytic anemia be prevented. What complications can arise from untreated microcytic anemia.

What is Microcytic Anemia and Why Are Blood Cells Small?

Microcytic anemia is a condition characterized by the presence of smaller-than-normal red blood cells in lower-than-normal quantities. The term “microcytic” refers to the diminished size of these blood cells, while “anemia” indicates a reduced number of properly functioning red blood cells in the body. This condition primarily results from the body’s inability to produce sufficient hemoglobin, a crucial component of blood responsible for oxygen transport and the characteristic red color of blood cells.

Why are blood cells small in microcytic anemia? The primary reason is a deficiency in hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin is essential for the proper development and maturation of red blood cells. When there’s insufficient hemoglobin, the cells fail to reach their normal size, resulting in microcytosis. This can be caused by various factors, with iron deficiency being the most common culprit.

Common Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention

Microcytic anemia often develops gradually, and symptoms may not be immediately apparent. As the condition progresses and the lack of normal red blood cells begins to affect tissue oxygenation, several symptoms may emerge:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Reduced stamina
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale skin

When should you consult a doctor about these symptoms? If you experience any of these symptoms persistently for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. However, if you experience severe dizziness or shortness of breath, seek medical attention promptly.

Types of Microcytic Anemia: Hypochromic, Normochromic, and Hyperchromic

Microcytic anemias can be further classified based on the amount of hemoglobin present in the red blood cells. This classification helps in determining the underlying cause and appropriate treatment approach.

Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia

In hypochromic microcytic anemia, red blood cells contain less hemoglobin than normal, appearing paler in color. This is the most common type of microcytic anemia and includes:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: The most prevalent cause, resulting from inadequate iron intake, absorption issues, or chronic blood loss.
2. Thalassemia: An inherited condition involving mutations in genes responsible for hemoglobin production.
3. Sideroblastic Anemia: Can be congenital or acquired, characterized by the body’s inability to incorporate iron into hemoglobin effectively.

Normochromic Microcytic Anemia

In this type, red blood cells have a normal amount of hemoglobin but are smaller in size. An example is anemia of inflammation and chronic disease, which can occur in conditions such as:

• Infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS)
• Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease)
• Kidney disease
• Cancer

Hyperchromic Microcytic Anemia

This rare form of microcytic anemia involves red blood cells with higher-than-normal hemoglobin content. It’s less common and may be associated with certain genetic disorders or specific medical conditions.

Diagnosis and Laboratory Tests for Microcytic Anemia

How is microcytic anemia diagnosed? The diagnostic process typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Your healthcare provider will start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Following this, several blood tests may be ordered:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures various components of your blood, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV).
• Peripheral Blood Smear: This involves examining a sample of your blood under a microscope to assess the size, shape, and color of your red blood cells.
• Iron Studies: These tests measure iron levels in your blood, including serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: This test can help diagnose thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders.

Additional tests may be necessary depending on the suspected underlying cause of the anemia. These could include tests for vitamin B12 and folate levels, genetic testing, or bone marrow biopsy in certain cases.

Treatment Approaches for Microcytic Anemia

The treatment of microcytic anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. The approach varies depending on the specific type and severity of the condition.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment

For iron deficiency anemia, the most common treatment involves iron supplementation. This can be achieved through:

• Oral iron supplements: These are typically the first-line treatment and are available in various forms such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate.
• Intravenous iron: In cases where oral supplements are not tolerated or ineffective, intravenous iron may be administered.
• Dietary changes: Increasing the intake of iron-rich foods such as lean meats, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals can help maintain iron levels.

In cases of chronic blood loss, identifying and treating the source of bleeding is crucial. This may involve addressing gastrointestinal issues or managing heavy menstrual periods in women.

Thalassemia Treatment

The treatment for thalassemia depends on the severity of the condition:

• Mild cases may not require specific treatment beyond regular monitoring.
• More severe cases might necessitate blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels.
• Iron chelation therapy may be required to prevent iron overload from frequent transfusions.
• In some cases, bone marrow transplantation might be considered as a potential cure.

Sideroblastic Anemia Treatment

The approach to treating sideroblastic anemia varies based on whether it’s congenital or acquired:

• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation can be effective in some types of congenital sideroblastic anemia.
• For acquired forms, treating the underlying condition (e.g., addressing alcohol abuse or discontinuing certain medications) may resolve the anemia.
• In some cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to manage severe anemia.

Prevention Strategies and Lifestyle Modifications

While not all forms of microcytic anemia can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications and preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, the most common type:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron: Include foods such as lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, and iron-fortified cereals.
• Enhance iron absorption: Consume vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich meals to improve iron absorption.
• Consider iron supplements: If you’re at high risk of iron deficiency (e.g., pregnant women, vegetarians), consult your healthcare provider about iron supplementation.
• Manage chronic conditions: If you have inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions that may affect iron absorption, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.
• Address heavy menstrual bleeding: Women experiencing heavy periods should consult their gynecologist to explore treatment options.

Regular health check-ups and blood tests can help detect anemia early, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of complications.

Potential Complications of Untreated Microcytic Anemia

If left untreated, microcytic anemia can lead to various complications affecting multiple organ systems. Some potential consequences include:

• Cardiovascular problems: The heart may need to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, potentially leading to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
• Pregnancy complications: In pregnant women, severe anemia can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
• Growth and developmental issues: In children, chronic anemia can impair growth and cognitive development.
• Increased susceptibility to infections: Anemia can weaken the immune system, making individuals more prone to infections.
• Depression: Chronic fatigue and weakness associated with anemia can contribute to the development of depression.
• Restless legs syndrome: Some individuals with iron deficiency anemia may experience restless legs syndrome, a condition characterized by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in preventing these complications and improving overall quality of life.

Research and Future Directions in Microcytic Anemia Management

The field of hematology continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of microcytic anemias. Some areas of current interest include:

• Gene therapy for thalassemia: Researchers are exploring gene therapy approaches to correct the genetic mutations responsible for thalassemia.
• Novel iron formulations: Development of new iron supplements with improved bioavailability and reduced side effects is underway.
• Hepcidin modulators: Hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron metabolism, is a target for new therapies in iron-related disorders.
• Personalized medicine approaches: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific type of anemia is an emerging area of research.
• Improved diagnostic tools: Development of more accurate and accessible diagnostic methods for various types of microcytic anemia is ongoing.

These advancements hold promise for more effective and personalized management of microcytic anemias in the future, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Microcytic Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

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Microcytic anemia means that you have smaller red blood cells than typical — and fewer of them. It can result from an iron deficiency or a health condition.

Microcytic anemia definition

Microcytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are smaller than normal. Anemia is when you have low numbers of properly functioning red blood cells in your body.

In microcytic anemias, your body has fewer red blood cells than normal. The red blood cells it does have are also too small. Several different types of anemias can be described as microcytic.

Microcytic anemias are caused by conditions that prevent your body from producing enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a component of your blood. It helps transport oxygen to your tissues and gives your red blood cells their red color.

Iron deficiency causes most microcytic anemias. Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. But other conditions can cause microcytic anemias, too. To treat a microcytic anemia, your doctor will first diagnose the underlying cause.

You may not notice any symptoms of microcytic anemia at first. Symptoms often appear at an advanced stage when the lack of normal red blood cells is affecting your tissues.

Common symptoms of microcytic anemias include:

• fatigue, weakness, and tiredness
• loss of stamina
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• pale skin

If you experience any of these symptoms and they don’t resolve within two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor.

You should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe dizziness or shortness of breath.

Microcytic anemias can be further described according to the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. They can be either hypochromic, normochromic, or hyperchromic:

1. Hypochromic microcytic anemias

Hypochromic means that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Low levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells leads to appear paler in color. In microcytic hypochromic anemia, your body has low levels of red blood cells that are both smaller and paler than normal.

Most microcytic anemias are hypochromic. Hypochromic microcytic anemias include:

Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of microcytic anemia is an iron deficiency in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by:

• inadequate iron intake, usually as a result of your diet
• being unable to absorb iron due to conditions like celiac disease or Helicobacter pylori infection
• chronic blood loss due to frequent or heavy periods in women or by gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds from upper GI ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease
• pregnancy

Thalassemia: Thalassemia is a type of anemia that’s caused by an inherited abnormality. It involves mutations in the genes needed for normal hemoglobin production.

Sideroblastic anemia: Sideroblastic anemia can be inherited due to gene mutations (congenital). It can also be caused by a condition acquired later in life that impedes your body’s ability to integrate iron into one of the components needed to make hemoglobin. This results in a buildup of iron in your red blood cells.

Congenital sideroblastic anemia is usually microcytic and hypochromic.

2. Normochromic microcytic anemias

Normochromic means that your red blood cells have a normal amount of hemoglobin, and the hue of red is not too pale or deep in color. An example of a normochromic microcytic anemia is:

Anemia of inflammation and chronic disease: Anemia due to these conditions is usually normochromic and normocytic (red blood cells are normal in size). Normochromic microcytic anemia may be seen in people with:

• infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or endocarditis
• inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or diabetes mellitus
• kidney disease
• cancer

These conditions can prevent red blood cells from functioning normally. This can lead to decreased iron absorption or utilization.

3. Hyperchromic microcytic anemias

Hyperchromic means that the red blood cells have more hemoglobin than normal. High levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells makes them a deeper hue of red than normal.

Congenital spherocytic anemia: Hyperchromic microcytic anemias are rare. They may be caused by a genetic condition known as congenital spherocytic anemia. This is also called hereditary spherocytosis.

In this disorder, the membrane of your red blood cells doesn’t form correctly. This causes them to be rigid and improperly spherical shaped. They are sent to be broken down and die in the spleen because they don’t travel in the blood cells properly.

4. Other causes of microcytic anemia

Other causes of microcytic anemia include:

• lead toxicity
• copper deficiency
• zinc excess, which causes copper deficiency
• alcohol use
• drug use

Microcytic anemias are often first spotted after your doctor has ordered a blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC) for another reason. If your CBC indicates that you have anemia, your doctor will order another test known as a peripheral blood smear.

This test can help spot early microcytic or macrocytic changes to your red blood cells. Hypochromia, normochromia, or hyperchromia can also be seen with the peripheral blood smear test.

Your primary care doctor may refer you to a hematologist. A hematologist is a specialist who works with blood disorders. They may be able to best diagnose and treat the specific type of microcytic anemia and identify its underlying cause.

Once a doctor has diagnosed you with microcytic anemia, they will run tests to determine the cause of the condition. They may run blood tests to check for celiac disease. They may test your blood and stool for H. pylori bacterial infection.

Your doctor might ask you about other symptoms you’ve experienced if they suspect that chronic blood loss is the cause of your microcytic anemia. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have stomach or other abdominal pain. A gastroenterologist might run imaging tests to look for different conditions. These tests include:

• abdominal ultrasound
• upper GI endoscopy (EGD)
• CT scan of the abdomen

For women with pelvic pain and heavy periods, a gynecologist may look for uterine fibroids or other conditions that could cause heavier flows.

Treatment for microcytic anemia focuses on treating the underlying cause of the condition.

Your doctor may recommend that you take iron and vitamin C supplements. The iron will help treat the anemia while the vitamin C will help increase your body’s ability to absorb the iron.

Your doctor will focus on diagnosing and treating the cause of the blood loss if acute or chronic blood loss is causing or contributing to microcytic anemia. Women with iron deficiency from severe periods may be prescribed hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills.

In cases of microcytic anemia so severe that you’re at risk for complications like cardiac failure, you may need to get a blood transfusion of donor red blood cells. This can increase the number of healthy red blood cells that your organs need.

Treatment can be relatively straightforward if simple nutrient deficiencies are the cause of microcytic anemia. As long as the underlying cause of the anemia can be treated, the anemia itself can be treated and even cured.

In very severe cases, untreated microcytic anemia can become dangerous. It can cause tissue hypoxia. This is when the tissue is deprived of oxygen. It can cause complications including:

• low blood pressure, also called hypotension
• coronary artery problems
• pulmonary problems
• shock

These complications are more common in older adults who already have pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases.

The best way to prevent microcytic anemia is to get enough iron in your diet. Increasing your vitamin C intake can also help your body absorb more iron.

You can also consider taking a daily iron supplement. These are often recommended if you already have anemia. You should always talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements.

You can also try to get more nutrients through your food.

Foods rich in iron include:

• red meat like beef
• poultry
• dark leafy greens
• beans
• dried fruits like raisins and apricots

Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• citrus fruits, especially oranges and grapefruits
• kale
• red peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• strawberries
• broccoli

Microcytic Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Microcytic anemia means that you have smaller red blood cells than typical — and fewer of them. It can result from an iron deficiency or a health condition.

Microcytic anemia definition

Microcytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are smaller than normal. Anemia is when you have low numbers of properly functioning red blood cells in your body.

In microcytic anemias, your body has fewer red blood cells than normal. The red blood cells it does have are also too small. Several different types of anemias can be described as microcytic.

Microcytic anemias are caused by conditions that prevent your body from producing enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a component of your blood. It helps transport oxygen to your tissues and gives your red blood cells their red color.

Iron deficiency causes most microcytic anemias. Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. But other conditions can cause microcytic anemias, too. To treat a microcytic anemia, your doctor will first diagnose the underlying cause.

You may not notice any symptoms of microcytic anemia at first. Symptoms often appear at an advanced stage when the lack of normal red blood cells is affecting your tissues.

Common symptoms of microcytic anemias include:

• fatigue, weakness, and tiredness
• loss of stamina
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• pale skin

If you experience any of these symptoms and they don’t resolve within two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor.

You should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe dizziness or shortness of breath.

Microcytic anemias can be further described according to the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. They can be either hypochromic, normochromic, or hyperchromic:

1. Hypochromic microcytic anemias

Hypochromic means that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Low levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells leads to appear paler in color. In microcytic hypochromic anemia, your body has low levels of red blood cells that are both smaller and paler than normal.

Most microcytic anemias are hypochromic. Hypochromic microcytic anemias include:

Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of microcytic anemia is an iron deficiency in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by:

• inadequate iron intake, usually as a result of your diet
• being unable to absorb iron due to conditions like celiac disease or Helicobacter pylori infection
• chronic blood loss due to frequent or heavy periods in women or by gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds from upper GI ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease
• pregnancy

Thalassemia: Thalassemia is a type of anemia that’s caused by an inherited abnormality. It involves mutations in the genes needed for normal hemoglobin production.

Sideroblastic anemia: Sideroblastic anemia can be inherited due to gene mutations (congenital). It can also be caused by a condition acquired later in life that impedes your body’s ability to integrate iron into one of the components needed to make hemoglobin. This results in a buildup of iron in your red blood cells.

Congenital sideroblastic anemia is usually microcytic and hypochromic.

2. Normochromic microcytic anemias

Normochromic means that your red blood cells have a normal amount of hemoglobin, and the hue of red is not too pale or deep in color. An example of a normochromic microcytic anemia is:

Anemia of inflammation and chronic disease: Anemia due to these conditions is usually normochromic and normocytic (red blood cells are normal in size). Normochromic microcytic anemia may be seen in people with:

• infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or endocarditis
• inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or diabetes mellitus
• kidney disease
• cancer

These conditions can prevent red blood cells from functioning normally. This can lead to decreased iron absorption or utilization.

3. Hyperchromic microcytic anemias

Hyperchromic means that the red blood cells have more hemoglobin than normal. High levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells makes them a deeper hue of red than normal.

Congenital spherocytic anemia: Hyperchromic microcytic anemias are rare. They may be caused by a genetic condition known as congenital spherocytic anemia. This is also called hereditary spherocytosis.

In this disorder, the membrane of your red blood cells doesn’t form correctly. This causes them to be rigid and improperly spherical shaped. They are sent to be broken down and die in the spleen because they don’t travel in the blood cells properly.

4. Other causes of microcytic anemia

Other causes of microcytic anemia include:

• lead toxicity
• copper deficiency
• zinc excess, which causes copper deficiency
• alcohol use
• drug use

Microcytic anemias are often first spotted after your doctor has ordered a blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC) for another reason. If your CBC indicates that you have anemia, your doctor will order another test known as a peripheral blood smear.

This test can help spot early microcytic or macrocytic changes to your red blood cells. Hypochromia, normochromia, or hyperchromia can also be seen with the peripheral blood smear test.

Your primary care doctor may refer you to a hematologist. A hematologist is a specialist who works with blood disorders. They may be able to best diagnose and treat the specific type of microcytic anemia and identify its underlying cause.

Once a doctor has diagnosed you with microcytic anemia, they will run tests to determine the cause of the condition. They may run blood tests to check for celiac disease. They may test your blood and stool for H. pylori bacterial infection.

Your doctor might ask you about other symptoms you’ve experienced if they suspect that chronic blood loss is the cause of your microcytic anemia. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have stomach or other abdominal pain. A gastroenterologist might run imaging tests to look for different conditions. These tests include:

• abdominal ultrasound
• upper GI endoscopy (EGD)
• CT scan of the abdomen

For women with pelvic pain and heavy periods, a gynecologist may look for uterine fibroids or other conditions that could cause heavier flows.

Treatment for microcytic anemia focuses on treating the underlying cause of the condition.

Your doctor may recommend that you take iron and vitamin C supplements. The iron will help treat the anemia while the vitamin C will help increase your body’s ability to absorb the iron.

Your doctor will focus on diagnosing and treating the cause of the blood loss if acute or chronic blood loss is causing or contributing to microcytic anemia. Women with iron deficiency from severe periods may be prescribed hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills.

In cases of microcytic anemia so severe that you’re at risk for complications like cardiac failure, you may need to get a blood transfusion of donor red blood cells. This can increase the number of healthy red blood cells that your organs need.

Treatment can be relatively straightforward if simple nutrient deficiencies are the cause of microcytic anemia. As long as the underlying cause of the anemia can be treated, the anemia itself can be treated and even cured.

In very severe cases, untreated microcytic anemia can become dangerous. It can cause tissue hypoxia. This is when the tissue is deprived of oxygen. It can cause complications including:

• low blood pressure, also called hypotension
• coronary artery problems
• pulmonary problems
• shock

These complications are more common in older adults who already have pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases.

The best way to prevent microcytic anemia is to get enough iron in your diet. Increasing your vitamin C intake can also help your body absorb more iron.

You can also consider taking a daily iron supplement. These are often recommended if you already have anemia. You should always talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements.

You can also try to get more nutrients through your food.

Foods rich in iron include:

• red meat like beef
• poultry
• dark leafy greens
• beans
• dried fruits like raisins and apricots

Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• citrus fruits, especially oranges and grapefruits
• kale
• red peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• strawberries
• broccoli

Facts about blood and blood cells

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Time to read:
Approximately 2 min.

This information will help you learn about the various components of blood and their functions.

Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. In addition, blood cells resist infections and stop bleeding.

Most blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Their formation and replacement is continuous. The time of existence of a blood cell before its replacement is called the life span of the cell.

Blood is made up of four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma.

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Blood components

Erythrocytes (red blood cells)

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Red blood cells make up almost half of the total blood volume. The lifespan of these cells is about 120 days.

Leukocytes (white blood cells)

Leukocytes resist infections and are an important element of the immune system. They make up a very small part of the total blood volume (less than 1%).

There are three types of white blood cells: granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes.
Each type plays an important role.

• Granulocytes are of 3 types:
  • Neutrophils help fight bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Basophils take part in the body’s immune response. Their exact function is not well understood.
  • Eosinophils help fight infections caused by parasites.
• Monocytes destroy and remove foreign microorganisms and dying cells from the body.
• Lymphocytes form the immune system.

The lifespan of leukocytes varies widely, from hours to several years.

Platelets

Platelets are small fragments of cells. Their main function is to stop bleeding.
They make up a very small part of the total blood volume (less than 1%). The lifespan of platelets is about 9-12 days.

Plasma

Plasma is the pale yellow liquid part of the blood that contains all of the blood cells. It makes up a little more than half of the total blood volume.

Plasma helps carry water, nutrients, minerals, drugs and hormones throughout the body. It also carries waste products to the kidneys. The kidneys then filter the blood, clearing it of these wastes. Plasma consists of water, protein, lipids (fats). It carries water, fat-dissolving nutrients, and other substances to and from various organs.

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Information sources

Johns Hopkins Medicine
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/facts-about-blood
This website provides information about blood, blood cells and their quantity.

American Red Cross
www.redcrossblood.org
The American Red Cross provides a variety of information about the components of blood and the role of blood cells.

• Function of Blood and Blood Cells: www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/function-of-blood-cells.html
• Facts About Red Blood Cells: www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/red-blood-cells.html
• Facts About White Blood Cells: www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/white-cells-and-granulocytes.html
• Facts About Platelets: www. redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/platelet-information.html
• Facts About Plasma: www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-information.html

Stanford Children’s Health
www.stanfordchildrens.org
Stanford Children’s Hospital provides a variety of information about blood components and the role of blood cells.

• Function of Blood and Blood Cells: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=overview-of-blood-and-blood-components-90-P02316
• Facts About Red Blood Cells: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-red-blood-cells-160-34
• Facts About White Blood Cells: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-white-blood-cells-160-35
• Facts About Platelets: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-platelets-160-36
• Facts About Plasma: www. stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-is-plasma-160-37

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Date last updated

Friday, December 17, 2021

What are erythrocytes (red blood cells)?

60% of the blood is plasma. blood plasma; It is a white-yellow liquid, consisting of proteins, salts and vitamins.

The remaining 40% are blood cells. These include: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets.

Blood cells are found in the blood in varying numbers, the most common blood cells are erythrocytes. While they are about 99% of all blood cells, leukocytes and platelets make up about 1%.

The red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen or carbon dioxide in the body are called erythrocytes. Hemoglobin and iron are part of erythrocytes. Hemoglobin makes up about 90% of the dry weight of red blood cells and helps give them their unique shape. The iron content gives the erythrocyte a red color.

Red blood cells are formed by stimulation of the bone marrow with the hormone erythropoietin, which is secreted by the endocrine glands. The bone marrow produces 1.5 million red blood cells every second. Initially, the nucleus of a nucleated erythrocyte disappears after a week of maturation and, due to the elasticity acquired by it, can play a more active role in blood circulation. The lifespan of an erythrocyte is about 90-120 days. After that, it is broken down in the spleen and the iron is removed from the red blood cells. This iron is used in the production of red blood cells. The rest goes to the gallbladder.

The number of red blood cells in men is from 4.7 to 6.1 million, in women it is from 4.2 to 5.4 million.

Red blood cells provide oxygen and carbon dioxide circulation between tissues and lungs. When contacting a doctor with a complaint about any disease, a routine examination is a clinical blood test. Another parameter that is usually examined in a blood test is the number of red blood cells. Erythrocytes have a different number in men and women. At the same time, in all age groups (early, newborn [0-1 months], infant [2-24 months], play [2-6 years], school [6-11 years], teenager [11-17 years]] and adults [18 years of age and older]], although values ​​vary, there may be slight differences in normal laboratory values.RBC counts also change during pregnancy.

If the red blood cell count is above normal

It is very important for health that the red blood cell count is within the normal range. The inability of erythrocytes to carry out the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle and not deliver enough oxygen to tissues and organs, the production of erythrocytes by the bone marrow in excess of the norm to compensate, is called an erythrocyte rise.

With an increase in red blood cells, symptoms such as:

• pain in the joints and chest
• visual impairment
• increase in blood pressure
• sensitivity in the palms
• headache
• dizziness
• sleep disturbance
• ringing in the ears
• abdominal pain
• muscle pain
• itch

Factors causing high erythrocyte count

• cardiovascular disease (congenital heart disease),
• lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis),
• kidney disease,
• diseases of the bone marrow,
• dehydration,
• sleep apnea,
• physical activity,
• hemoglobinopathy,
• smoking,
• being in places of high pressure,
• carbon monoxide poisoning
• intestinal obstruction,
• use of cortisol-containing drugs,
• side effects of certain drugs used,
• doping use.

Red blood cell deficiency

When we talk about the lack of red blood cells, the disease that immediately comes to mind may be anemia. Red blood cell deficiency, which occurs when there is not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood plasma, can occur due to many diseases.

Symptoms of low red blood cells include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of energy
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irregular breathing
• Headache and dizziness
• Severe chest pain
• Thrombosis in the legs
• Sleep problem
• Pale skin
• Arrhythmia

Diseases causing erythrocyte deficiency

• anemia
• bone marrow failure
• leukemia
• thyroid diseases
• kidney disease
• epileptic seizures
• internal and external bleeding
• hypotrophy
• mineral and vitamin deficiency (iron, copper, folic acid, B6 and B12)
• pregnancy
• side effects of anticancer drugs
• blood transfusion
• hemolysis
• vascular injury
• multiple myeloma

Detection of red blood cells in urine

Red blood cells in urine indicate the presence of blood in the urine. Blood in the urine is medically called hematuria. Although red blood cells in the urine may seem scary, it is usually not life-threatening.

There may be so little blood in the urine that it can only be diagnosed under a microscope. However, when it occurs, it is important to find out the cause, since sometimes it can manifest itself in a number of serious situations. Urine discoloration can also occur due to taking certain vitamin preparations or eating carrots or citrus fruits. However, if there is visible bleeding in the urine, you should immediately consult a doctor and draw up a treatment plan after determining the cause of the bleeding.

It is normal for a normal person to have 0-3 RBCs in their urine. However, if it is seen above, it is useful to investigate the cause.

Causes of red blood cells in urine

• urinary tract infections
• bladder or kidney infection
• kidney stones
• Bladder cancer
• kidney cancer
• glomerulonephritis
• kidney injury
• prostate enlargement
• prostate cancer
• tumor in the urinary tract
• certain pain medicines for cancer
• Sickle cell disease
• viral infections
• excessive exercise

Detection of red blood cells in the stool

Blood in the stool is abnormal.