HomeAnswersInternal Medicinesevere fatigueCan low RBC count cause tiredness?

I feel very tired. Is it because of my low RBC count?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 24, 2017
Reviewed AtJanuary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My RBC count is low.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

  • Your hematocrit is more than 38, your hemoglobin is 13 and your MCV (mean cell volume) is normal. That means as your Hb (hemoglobin) is maintained at packed cells of 38, you have no abnormality at all. Even if you take more fluids than normal you will get a low RBC (red blood cells) count.

So relax, everything is normal.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Did you check my bilirubin levels? It is showing 1.7. Is it normal? I feel very low on energy.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • An isolated elevation in bilirubin up to 2 with normal ALT (Alanine transaminase), AST (Aspartate Transaminase), and ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) is normal as in your case. Your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is slightly low. So, taking two walnuts for few weeks will normalize it.
  • I went through all your investigations. There is no significant abnormality.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am a yoga teacher. I do yoga, pranayama and meditation regularly. Eating habits are also good. I do a bit of walk and exercise also. I do not have any mental disorder or depression. I am very happy with my life. I went through lots of test and diagnosis, and as you said everything is normal. I have severe fatigue, feel sleepy most of the time and my energy is extremely low. I understand we are done with this report, but let me know if there is anything that you suggest for further diagnosis.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Few things I would suggest which need to be addressed are:

  1. Your weight is low and BMI (body mass index) is nearly at the level considered malnutrition for a male. So, you will need to gain few kg to keep your BMI around 20 to 22. This could be the main reason for your easy fatigability.
  2. Adequate sleep of about seven hours per day is very important. Less sleep will result in low energy and easy fatigability.
  3. If you are a smoker, you will have to quit smoking.
  4. I will advise echocardiogram to rule out any cardiac reason and a pulmonary function test to know the status of your lungs.

Regards.

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

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Rheumatology

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