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Red Blood Cell Count
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Common Questions
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1. How reversible are abnormal red blood cell counts?
2. Can I test my RBCs at home?
3. Do diet and nutrition help keep RBCs at healthy levels?
4. Are there symptoms I should recognize if my RBCs are dangerously low or high?
1. How reversible are abnormal red blood cell counts?
First, your doctor must determine the cause of your abnormal RBC count so that s/he can prescribe appropriate treatment. Treatment may include a dietary supplement, a change in your nutrition, or replacement with packed red blood cells from a blood donor. It may only require a change in your current medication that has caused the change in RBCs. For some, prescribing a drug to stimulate red cell production in the bone marrow may be required, especially in patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
2. Can I test my RBCs at home?
No. This test is performed by trained laboratory personnel.
3. Do diet and nutrition help keep RBCs at healthy levels?
Yes, to the extent that if you eat a well-balanced diet, you can prevent anemias due to deficiencies of iron intake, vitamin B12, or folate. RBC problems that are caused by disease conditions are not likely to be corrected by diet.
4. Are there symptoms I should recognize if my RBCs are dangerously low or high?
Fatigue may indicate a low or high RBC count. Fainting, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or altered mental status can also indicate low RBCs. Disturbed vision, headache, and flushing may be present with increased numbers of RBCs.
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This article was last reviewed on
February 5, 2008.
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