Elevated Red Blood Cell Level: possible causes investigated.
In the human body, red blood cells (RBCs) play a crucial role in carrying nutrients and gasses, including oxygen, throughout the body. When the number of RBCs is significantly higher than normal, a condition known as polycythemia or erythrocytosis arises.
There are two main types of polycythemia: primary and secondary. Primary polycythemia, the most common cause being polycythemia vera, occurs when the body overproduces RBCs. On the other hand, secondary polycythemia is triggered by certain medical conditions that increase RBC production or reduce oxygen levels in the blood.
Polycythemia vera is often characterised by very high RBC counts, along with elevated white blood cells or platelets. This condition arises due to a genetic mutation in cells of the bone marrow, specifically the JAK2 gene. Tumours that release erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates RBC production, are less frequent causes of polycythemia.
Secondary polycythemia, however, is more commonly due to underlying conditions such as liver disease, respiratory disease, drug use, high elevation, tumours that reduce oxygen levels, heart disease, kidney disease, and smoking.
Mild elevations in RBC count may be temporary, such as when a person is dehydrated due to causes like vomiting or diarrhoea. In such cases, replenishing lost fluids can help normalise the RBC count.
It's important to note that a high RBC count can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots in adults. A healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and maintaining a moderate weight, can help in managing high RBC count.
In some cases, doctors may be unable to identify an underlying cause for polycythemia, a condition known as idiopathic polycythemia. This accounts for about 70% of cases of erythrocytosis. The most common causes of idiopathic polycythemia in adults, according to medical literature, include mutations leading to primary polycythemia vera (a myeloproliferative neoplasm), hypoxia-driven secondary causes, and occasionally unknown factors classified as truly idiopathic when no cause is identified.
Shunts in the lungs can be a less frequent cause of polycythemia. Conditions that decrease blood oxygen are common culprits for high RBC count. Mutations in receptors for EPO are less frequent causes of polycythemia.
In conclusion, understanding polycythemia and its causes is essential for early detection and effective treatment. If you suspect you may have polycythemia, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on management.
