Just Answer Just Answer

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Health Question?)

Question

What medical problems can show up in the red blood cell count?


Sent to Health Experts December 02, 2005 9:26 a.m.

tired, lack of energy, can't remain focused for long periods of time, crave candy bars in evening.

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 60

Already Tried:
B-12 shots folic acid CBC is still low
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $25   
Answer
December 02, 2005 9:58 a.m. (31 minutes and 58 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Low RBC could be due to anemia, nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B12 & B6

With the symptoms of tired, lack of energy etc.. it appears to point toward anemic. Some of the main causes for being anemic include:

Chronic illness secondary to refractory anemia: inflammatory GI/GU diseases, malignancies (cancer), arthritis, kidney or liver failure, and acute and chronic infections

Cancer therapy: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy

Infiltration (replacement) of bone marrow with cancer

Hemolysis: Breakdown or destruction of red blood cells

Decreased red cell production due to low levels of erythropoietin (a hormone produced by the kidney {90%} and liver {10%}) which promotes red blood cell production

I don't know what type of doctors you have seen. Have you talked with a hematologist?

Here is a good site that also talks about anemia as well.

read here

Hope this helps. If you need anything else please feel free to ask. If you found this helpful don’t forget to click the *accept* button

PictureLindie  -- Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 4918 Health Accepts
17+ years, Healthcare Expert

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Online Health Advice