Erythrocytes raised in the child: what are the causes

Red blood cells (also called erythrocytes) play a direct role in the work of the entire human body. They have so many important functions, the main of which is the utilization of carbon dioxide and the transfer of oxygen to all tissues and systems of internal organs. However, very often tests show an overestimated content in the blood of these cells. Why does the child have red blood cells?

general information

The main components of the blood are red blood cells. Their total content is several times higher than the number of other uniform elements. These blood cells have a regular shape, outwardly they look like a disk, slightly thickened at the edges. This structure is not accidental. It helps them, when passing through the entire circulatory system, to be maximally enriched with oxygen and even carbon dioxide.

Erythrocytes form in the bone marrow under the action of a kidney hormone called erythropoietin. Approximately 2/3 of them consist of hemoglobin. The duration of the "life" of such cells is approximately 120 days. The process of their destruction occurs mainly in the spleen, as well as in the liver.

In the normal physiological state, a continuous production of red corpuscles is observed in the body. However very often analyzes show, that erythrocytes are raised or increased. The reasons for such changes are explained not only by serious diseases, but also by the usual dehydration of the body or by the use of poor-quality drinking water.

Functions of red blood cells

• Saturation of tissues with oxygen.
• Transportation of carbon dioxide to the lungs.
• Participation in the work of the immune system.
• Maintaining acid-brush balance.
• Transfer of amino acids from the digestive organs to tissues.

Normative indicators

Before considering the question of why red blood cells in the blood of a child are raised, it is worthwhile to understand those indicators that are considered the norm.

They are measured in quantitative terms by approximately one liter of blood. In this matter, the age of the child is of great importance. Depending on this factor, the normative indices of the red blood cell content are as follows:

• In newborns, 5.4-7.2 x 10 ¹² U / l.
• 1-12 months - 3.0-5.4 x 10 ¹² U / l.
• 1-12 years - 3,6-4,9 x 10 ¹² U / l.
• In adolescence, the number of red blood cells reaches adult levels and remains at this level.

Why are red blood cells in the child's blood raised? Causes

The condition in which an increase in the red blood cell count in the blood is called erythrocytosis. In small patients, this pathology, as a rule, is determined by physiological factors that are not directly related to diseases. For example, in sports children very often a high content of oxygen in the blood of "transporters" is diagnosed.

This situation is very simple. With constant physical exertion the human body needs an increased and regular supply of oxygen. As a consequence, there is a quantitative increase in the red blood cells responsible for this function.

The same can be said of children who live in a mountainous area. If red blood cells are increased in a child, in this case it is considered the norm.

Among the negative factors that affect the occurrence of this problem, we can call passive smoking. This, as a rule, occurs in families where parents are likened to this bad habit. The child's organism tries to compensate for itself by itself lack of oxygen.

In some cases, red blood cells are increased in a child because of poor quality drinking water. Here it is, first of all, a dirty, excessively chlorinated and highly aerated liquid. It is for this reason that residents of cities and small villages, where there is no normal water supply, the level of "transporters" of oxygen in the blood differs from the normative indicators.

Why are red blood cells elevated? Causes of pathological nature

Erythrocytosis, associated with serious diseases, requires an exceptionally qualified approach to treatment. Below we list its most common causes of pathological nature:

• Heart disease at an innate level.
• A variety of blood diseases.
• Prolonged dehydration of the body with diarrhea or vomiting.
• Obstructive lung diseases.
• Obesity.
• Disturbance of bone marrow functioning.

The most terrible diagnosis, in which the level of erythrocytes in a child is increased, is oncological diseases of the kidneys and liver.

What can be the consequences of red blood cells for the body?

As already noted above, the lifespan of the "transporters" of oxygen is 120 days. When this time comes to its end, the red cells begin to break down in the spleen. In the case of excessive functionality, they die much faster. Simultaneously, in the bone marrow, the process of their constant synthesis is activated, in order to fill the existing deficiency.

The consequence of excessive saturation with red blood cells is a violation of the normal operation of virtually all systems of internal organs and tissues. The blood becomes noticeably thicker, which affects breathing, the functionality of the cerebral cortex. In addition, the liver, kidneys and the spleen itself increase in size. Such complications in the absence of timely treatment can result in death of a person.

In the case of chronic course of erythrocytosis, no apparent abnormalities are observed. The whole point is that the body manages to make up for the negative consequences of increased production of red bulls, but sooner or later its possibilities end.

What to do? What should be the treatment?

It should be noted that one should not take erythrocytosis as a separate disease. It only indicates the presence of adverse factors or serious pathology. An exceptionally qualified specialist can determine why red blood cells are raised in a child, and then give advice on treatment.

It is also important, together with drug therapy, to take additional measures to normalize the level of red blood cells. It is recommended to give the child enough fluids (about 1.5 liters per day). Water must be necessarily well cleaned of chlorine impurities, because this substance is often the cause of this problem.

The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables. Such nutrition also contributes to the formation of the correct form of red corpuscles.

If the red blood cells are raised in a child, most likely, he has thick blood. Experts recommend to diversify the diet with such products, which contribute to its dilution. This is primarily oatmeal, various berries, green apples, cocoa, tomatoes, etc.

In especially serious cases, the doctor may prescribe special drugs aimed at diluting the blood. They should be taken with extreme caution, following the recommended dosage.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained in as much detail as possible why red blood cells can be raised, what this means and what measures should be taken to eliminate this problem. In any case, it is not recommended to try to determine the cause of the pathology by yourself. It is better to seek help from a doctor in a timely manner and not risk the health of the child.