Red blood cells (RBCs)

The role of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body

Red blood cells (RBCs )are blood cells whose main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide.

Main functions:

1. Gas exchange-due to hemoglobin (a protein inside red blood cells), O₂ and co₂ are bound.
2. Maintaining the acid-base balance (blood pH).
3. Participation in immune responses (binding of toxins).

RBC norm in the blood test

Group	Normal (million/µl)	Normal (×10¹²/L)
Men	4.5 – 5.7	4.5 – 5.7
Women	3.8 – 5.1	3.8 – 5.1
Children	3.9 – 5.3	3.9 – 5.3
Newborns	4.1 – 6.1	4.1 – 6.1

The values depend on age and gender:

Note: Reference values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.

---

Red blood cell deficiency (Erythropenia, Anemia)

Reasons:

• Iron deficiency, lack of vitamin B₁₂ or folic acid.
• Blood loss (injuries, menstruation, ulcers).
• Chronic diseases (kidney failure, cancer).
• Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

Symptoms:

• Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Brittle hair and nails
• Reduced concentration

---

Excess of red blood cells (Erythrocytosis, Polycythemia)

Reasons:

• Dehydration (false erythrocytosis).
• Chronic hypoxia (smoking, lung diseases, mountain life).
• Diseases of the bone marrow (true polycythemia).
• Doping (erythropoietin).

Symptoms:

• Red face, itchy skin (especially after a shower)
• Headaches, dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Enlargement of the spleen
• Thrombosis (due to blood clots)

---

What should I do if there are deviations?

• In case of anemia -analysis for ferritin, B₁₂, folate; diet (meat, liver, pomegranates) + iron preparations.
• With erythrocytosis – search for the cause (ultrasound of the kidneys, CT of the lungs, analysis for erythropoietin), bloodletting (as prescribed by a doctor).