The treatment for a low red blood cell count will depend on the causes and symptoms. If anemia is the cause and you have cancer, you may need a red blood cell transfusion. If it is due to anemia, you may receive drugs that stimulate the production of erythropoietin or supplement it.
Full Answer
What is the treatment for low RBC count?
Low RBC or red blood cell count can be acute or chronic. And mild ones can be treated with proper lifestyle changes, but if it's severe, you have to...... RBC count, also known as erythrocyte count, is a blood test to determine the number of red blood cells in blood, which is essential for tissues to function properly.
What does a low RDW mean on a CBC?
A low RDW means that the erythrocytes are very uniform in size - but it says nothing about what that size is. However if the rest of the CBC is fine, then there is probably no cause for concern. A blood examination may help evaluate further. There is no significance if RDW is lower than normal range.
How can i Improve my RDW?
Research suggests that exercise, including light-intensity physical activity, can improve RDW [ 61, 62, 63 ]. In a study with over 8k people, for every increase in the number of workout sessions per week the odds of having an elevated RDW were 11% lower [ 64 ].
What causes a low RDW level?
One reason for a low RDW level is macrocytic anemia. Another cause of a low RDW level is microcytic anemia. In these two disorders the red blood cells do not vary much in size because they are either all small or all large. This is what causes the RDW level to be low
How can I improve my low RDW?
How to lower RDWEating a balanced diet: A nutritious diet can help prevent deficiencies of iron, folate, and vitamin B12, which contribute to raised RDW levels. ... Stopping smoking: People who smoke have elevated RDW . ... Avoiding alcohol: Excessive alcohol can damage RBCs and decrease vitamin B12 and folate absorption.More items...
How is RDW treated?
If your test results indicate you have a chronic blood disorder, such as anemia, you may be put on a treatment plan to increase the amount of oxygen that your red blood cells can carry. Depending on your specific condition, your provider may recommend iron supplements, medicines, and/or changes in your diet.
How do I increase my RBC RDW?
Supplements your doctor may suggest include:Iron: Iron deficiency commonly causes low RBC production. ... Vitamin C: This vitamin may help your body better absorb iron. ... Copper: There may also be a link between low RBC production and copper deficiency. ... Vitamin A (retinol): Women need 700 micrograms (mcg) per day.More items...
What happens if RDW is low?
A low RDW means your red blood cells are all about the same size. A high RDW means you have both very small and very large red blood cells. You may also have a “normal” RDW.
What is the fastest way to increase red blood cells?
5 nutrients that increase red blood cell countsred meat, such as beef.organ meat, such as kidney and liver.dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale.dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins.beans.legumes.egg yolks.
How can I raise my hematocrit?
What can I do to increase my low hematocrit? Increasing the consumption of red meat (liver in particular), fish and shellfish (oysters, clams, shrimp, and scallops), dried fruit (apricots, prunes, and peaches), green leafy vegetables, beans, iron fortified breads and cereals, all rich in iron, may help.
Does exercise increase red blood cells?
Exercise training can increase total Hb and red cell mass, which enhances oxygen-carrying capacity.
What can I drink to increase hemoglobin?
Iron rich drinks that help increase haemoglobin01/6Iron-rich drinks you must include in your diet. Iron is a mineral vital for the proper functioning of haemoglobin a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. ... 02/6Halim Drink. ... 03/6Beetroot Juice. ... 04/6Spinach & mint juice. ... 05/6Prune Juice. ... 06/6Veggie blend juice.
Why does iron deficiency increase RDW?
As iron deficiency progresses, decreased erythropoeisis develops. New erythrocytes are smaller, causing the RDW to increase slightly, as there is a mix of older normocytic cells with younger microcytic cells. Laboratory findings include low ferritin, low MCV, high RDW, and increased transferrin.
Is 11.5 RDW low?
A normal range for RDW is 11.5% to 14.5%. RDW is most helpful when evaluated along with MCV.
What does low RDW and high MCV mean?
a high RDW and typical MCV suggests an iron, B12, or folate deficiency, or possibly chronic liver disease. a high RDW and low MCV suggests iron deficiency or microcytic anemia. a high RDW and high MCV indicates a lack of B12 or folate, macrocytic anemia, or chronic liver disease.
What is RDW RBC in blood test?
An RDW (red blood cell distribution width) blood test measures how varied your red blood cells are in size and volume. Your red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to organs and tissues throughout your body. The oxygen fuels your body's cells so that they can produce energy.
What does low RDW mean in blood test?
What does a low RDW in a blood test mean? A low percentage of RDW (Red cell blood Distribution Width) has no clinical meaning and it is not a matter for concern. It is called isocytosis and it means that RBCs (red blood cells) are very similar in size.
Why is the RDW positive?
It may be even consider a positive sign because the size of the RBCs is very similar and means no interference in their production. The RDW (Red cell blood Distribution Width) is only useful when it is high to discern between different types of anemia.
What are the symptoms of low RBC?
Various symptoms of low RBC count can include fatigue, being easily tired, pale appearance, palpitations (heart racing), shortness of breath, etc. Other symptoms like hair loss, malaise (feeling unwell) and worsening of heart problems can also indicate low RBC count ( Anemia). If the anemia is long standing, the body will get used ...
What is the function of a low red blood cell count?
Red blood cells (RBC) or erythrocytes are cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The RBC count will determine the amount of oxygen received by the body tissues.
What does it mean when your hemoglobin is low?
If the hemoglobin levels are low, the body is required to work a lot harder to supply oxygen to all the body tissues. Low hemoglobin level means the person is anemic and can result in symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. The normal range of RBC is:
Why do we need a blood test for RBC?
Because the hemoglobin contained in red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues all over your body. RBC count, also known as erythrocyte count, is a blood test to determine the number of red blood cells in blood, which is essential for tissues to function properly.
How to increase hemoglobin levels?
Keep a Healthy Diet. Incorporate green leafy vegetables and red meat in the diet to get a dose of iron, folic acid and vitamins which help increase the hemoglobin levels and build red blood cells. Drink 8-10 glasses of water if there is no underlying heart or kidney problem. Also, eat well-balanced meals will help.
What causes low oxygen levels in the body?
Causes of low red blood cells could include: Anemia. Bone marrow failure.
What causes red blood cell destruction?
Red blood cell destruction or hemolysis caused due to transfusions. Blood vessel injury. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiency of iron, copper, folate, vitamin B6 and B12. Medications like Chemotherapy drugs, Chloramphenicol, Hydantoins and Quinine. Pregnancy.
What does low RDW mean?
Low RDW. A low value indicates that your red blood cells are uniform in size. This is desirable and not a cause for concern [ 3 ]. However, it is still possible to have a blood-related disease and low RDW levels [ 3 ].
What is RDW in blood?
RDW or red blood cell distribution width is a measure of how equal your red blood cells are in size. It can help your doctor diagnose various blood-related disorders and diseases. In addition, it is also increased in seemingly unrelated disorders and diseases that nevertheless affect blood cell production and lifespan.
How to reduce red blood cell count?
1) Eat a Balanced Diet. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies. It is important that your diet includes enough iron, folate, and vitamin B12 [ 8, 11, 12 ]. Correcting nutritional deficiencies can help improve red blood cell production and decrease RDW levels.
What is higher RDW?
Studies show that higher RDW is associated with inflammation and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha [ 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1, 21 ].
What causes anemia in RDW?
Various nutrient deficiencies can cause your RDW to increase, such as: Iron deficiency [ 8, 9, 10, 11] Folate deficiency [ 11] Vitamin B1 2 deficiency [ 12, 11] This happens because all of these nutrients are needed to produce healthy red blood cells. Any of these deficiencies can eventually lead to anemia.
What is the normal RDW?
RDW normally ranges from 11.5 – 15%. The range may slightly vary between laboratories. However, a normal RDW doesn’t mean a condition such as anemia is absent. Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with your medical history and other test results.
What hormone is needed for the production of red blood cells?
Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, is needed for the production and maturation of red blood cells. Abnormal production of this hormone happens in kidney disease leading to increased RDW [ 1 ].
