What is an increase in red blood cells? Is that okay

Increased red blood cells may be caused by factors such as altitude sickness, dehydration, chronic hypoxia, polycythemia vera, kidney disease, etc. It can be intervened through methods such as fluid replacement, oxygen therapy, bloodletting therapy, and medication. In most cases, timely intervention has a good prognosis, but caution should be exercised about the risk of thrombosis.

1. High altitude sickness:

When the body is in an area above 3000 meters above sea level for a long time, it will compensate for the increase in red blood cell production to adapt to the low oxygen environment. This type of physiological increase is usually accompanied by symptoms of headache and fatigue, which can gradually alleviate after returning to plain areas or receiving oxygen therapy, and generally does not require special treatment.

2. Dehydration factors: When severe diarrhea, burns, or insufficient water intake leads to blood concentration, the red blood cell count increases relatively. After correcting dehydration through oral rehydration salts or intravenous infusion, hemoglobin levels can return to normal within 24-48 hours, and attention should be paid to monitoring electrolyte balance.

3. Chronic hypoxia:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and other diseases cause long-term hypoxia in the body, which stimulates an increase in the secretion of erythropoietin. These patients often exhibit signs such as cyanosis of the lips and clubbing fingers, and require non-invasive ventilation to improve oxygenation. If necessary, hydroxyurea can be used to control red blood cell proliferation.

4. Polycythemia vera:

Myelodysplastic disease leads to excessive autonomous generation of red blood cells and significantly increased blood viscosity. Typical symptoms include facial flushing, itching of the skin, and possibly accompanied by splenomegaly. Regular venous bloodletting treatment is required, in combination with targeted drugs such as interferon alpha or Luketinib.

5. Renal diseases:

Abnormal secretion of erythropoietin by renal cysts, renal cancer, and other renal lesions can lead to secondary erythrocytosis. These patients need to undergo comprehensive kidney ultrasound and CT examinations, undergo surgery or targeted therapy for the primary disease, and monitor blood pressure and coagulation function. Patients with polycythemia should maintain a daily water intake of at least 2000ml and avoid vigorous exercise to prevent thrombosis. Choose low-fat and high fiber foods for diet, and limit the intake of high-speed rail ingredients such as animal organs. Smokers should quit smoking immediately and raise the head of the bed to improve breathing during sleep. It is recommended to recheck blood routine and hemorheological indicators every 3-6 months. If there are symptoms of thrombosis such as dizziness and blurred vision, seek medical attention in a timely manner. For patients with polycythemia vera, lifelong follow-up monitoring of complications such as bone marrow fibrosis is necessary.