HomeAnswersHematologydehydrationWhat is the cause for abnormal blood reports due to a crash diet?

What causes dehydration in 15 days of crash dieting?

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Published At January 26, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a smoker, doing 15 days of crash dieting, including water restriction. I got highly dehydrated at the end of 15 days. My laboratory test states values for hemoglobin were 21 grams per deciliter, total RBC count 0.65 per L, PCV or HCT 61.5 %, and total WBC count 12800 per ml. After the test, I got back to my regular diet immediately, consuming lots of water and cutting down on smoking. Last year, all the above tests were normal. Considering this as a falsely high value due to dehydration, how many days can these readings restore to normal, and can I expect a normal report on testing again?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are having secondary erythrocytosis due to dehydration. Within one month, your value should go down. Usually, it takes a few days to revert your report to normal after regular food intake. I suggest you repeat your CBC (complete blood count) after 15 days. I hope I have cleared your queries.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Pathology

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