HomeAnswersHematologypolycythemiaMy red blood cell level is high.Please advise.

My red blood cell level is high.Please advise.

Share

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

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 4, 2015
Reviewed AtOctober 9, 2018

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My CBC test showed RBC level as 7.1. Doctors told me that this value is high. The MCV is 56.8 and MCH is 15.4 which are low. I used to smoke when I did the first test. When I went for the test again after 2 months, I had quit smoking. Even then the result was the same. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Prakash. H. M.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your CBC (Complete Blood Count) reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity)

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

  • Your RBC count is high and this condition is called as polycythemia.
  • Polycythemia is usually present in high altitude conditions, or in people with lung damage or smokers with lung damage.
  • Two months is a short time for the lungs to recover. That is the reason why the results remained the same even after two months after you had quit smoking.
  • However, additionally, you appear to have iron deficiency anemia.
  • Correction of iron deficiency is necessary and repeat test can be done after 3 months.
  • Reticulocyte count test after 15 days after start of treatment will confirm your body response to iron therapy. 
  • You need to quit smoking completely and also start iron therapy.

For further queries, consult a hematologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/hematologist

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

Dr. Prakash. H. M.
Dr. Prakash. H. M.

Hematology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Hematology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy