Low Red Blood Cell Count

Red blood cells (RBC), also known as erythrocytes or red blood corpuscles are responsible for carrying oxygen to all body tissues. They travel in the blood flow through the circulatory system. Erythropoietin (a hormone) is responsible for regulating the production of red blood cells. RBCs contain hemoglobin; oxygen carriers, which is also a pigment that gives the red color to these blood cells, hence the name. They are found abundantly in the blood, almost making up approximately 45 percent of the blood. They are biconcave, round and flat in shape, which they can change as they squeeze through the capillaries, they lack cell nucleus and most organelles. As they carry oxygen, which is essential for the smooth working of the body, a low count of RBCs is considered as unhealthy and a cause of worry.

Normal RBC Count

Maintaining a normal red blood cell count is essential; normal red blood cell count for adults males is 4.5 - 6.0 M/ul, and for adult females, it is 4.2 - 5.4 M/ul, this number however, may vary depending upon the age of the individual getting tested and the testing laboratory's recommendations.

Causes of Low RBC Count

Anemia: In this condition the overall blood count has less than the normal number of RBCs or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood, decreasing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Anemia includes most forms; sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, poor nutrition, heavy menstrual bleeding, etc.

Immune System Disorders: Most autoimmune diseases, cause the immune system to attack the body's own blood cells and tissues by mistake. Autoimmune diseases that affect blood and blood vessels include autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia, etc.

Spleen Problems: The spleen is part of the lymphatic system. Its smooth functioning is required for fighting infection and keeping the body fluids in balance. The spleen's tissue, reticuloendothelial tissue, monitors red blood cells, eliminating abnormal, damaged and/or old ones that hamper functions. Any spleen disorder may hamper the work of this tissue leading to decreased RBCs in blood.

Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, that affects the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue present inside most bones, and a place where blood cells are made. It basically affects the white blood cells first, causing them to abnormally multiply, eventually crowding other blood cells including the RBCs.

Hodgkin's Disease: Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It occurs in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow. As the lymph nodes, spleen and the bone marrow are essential to maintain a normal RBC count, any disorder in them can result in a low count.

When one is having a low level of RBCs in blood, it is common to feel fatigued, weak, lightheaded, head aches, pale eyes and skin, shortness of breath, etc. Less RBCs mean a lower resistance to infection. A test to determine how low is the count and subsequently to determine its cause, is generally recommended by the physician.