Red blood cells in a child’s blood are elevated: why does this happen and what needs to be done. What does it mean when a child has elevated red blood cells?

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, play one of the most important roles in the functioning of the body in childhood.

Their main task is to provide oxygen to all vital important organs and systems, as well as in the removal of carbon dioxide. However, there are situations when test results show elevated red blood cells in the child's blood.

In most cases, exceeding the level of the indicator indicates the development of a disease.

The role and functions of red blood cells in childhood

The formation of these elements occurs in the bone marrow, which is significantly influenced by hemopoietin (kidney hormone).

The main material necessary for the structure is hemoglobin, which is a structural protein that binds oxygen to carbon dioxide. The concentration of erythrocytes is several times higher than that of other cells.

By appearance red blood cells are like a disc with hardened edges. Thanks to this structure, red blood cells easily move around circulatory system . Such cells live on average up to four months. Then they are destroyed in the spleen or liver.

Red blood cells perform the following main functions:

• support acid-base balance;
• provide tissues with oxygen;
• participate in the work protective functions child's body;
• deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs;
• transport amino acids to tissues from the organs of the digestive system.

Erythrocytosis can be relative and true.

It is also worth noting that high content red blood cells does not always indicate pathology.

Normal values

The concentration of red blood cells in plasma depends on the age of the child. In addition, after the age of 13, boys have slightly lower rates than girls. In newborns, the values ​​are the same for both sexes. To understand whether the red blood cell count is normal, you need to know what the acceptable limit is in children.

The average values ​​are presented in the table below.

The concentration of red blood cells in the blood of a child who has reached the age of twelve is the same as that of an adult. For boys, the indicator will be 3.5-5.6*10^12/l, and for girls - 3.7-4.9*10^12/l.

Symptoms and manifestations of elevated red blood cells

Most often in childhood, the relative form of erythrocytosis is asymptomatic. In the event that the provoking factor is a viral or intestinal type infection, the symptoms will correspond to the main pathological process.

True erythrocytosis is accompanied by the following characteristic symptoms:

1. Redness skin. Initially, the skin acquires a pinkish tint, and as the disease progresses it becomes darker. In this case, all parts of the body and mucous membranes undergo changes.
2. Frequent headaches as a result of impaired blood flow through the vessels of the brain.
3. The spleen increases in size. The functioning of the organ is directly affected by recycling blood cells. In the case when their concentration exceeds acceptable standards, the spleen receives an additional load that it cannot cope with, which leads to its enlargement.
4. Painful sensations in the upper fingers and lower limbs. This sign may be caused by impaired blood flow in small vessels, since an increase in red blood cells provokes an increase in the viscosity of the blood fluid. Due to the lack of oxygen in the tissues, the pain becomes burning and paroxysmal.
5. Rising blood pressure. This condition is caused by erythrocytosis, provoked by kidney disease, and is accompanied by decreased vision, increased fatigue and other clinical signs.

If at least one of the symptoms appears, the child must be shown to a specialist.

What analysis allows you to determine the erythrocyte level

To determine how many red blood cells are in a child's blood, it is necessary to do a blood test.

To obtain the most reliable results, the study is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning. In this case, the last meal should be no later than eight hours before the procedure. It is allowed to give water to children.

This rule does not apply to infants, since they cannot long time remain without food. In such situations, when decoding data, laboratory technicians take into account this factor and correct the interpretation.

Blood is drawn from a finger. In newborns, blood fluid is taken from the heel. After this, the material is sent for microscopic examination.

Causes of high red blood cells

Experts identify many provoking factors that cause increased content red blood cells in childhood.

In newborns and infants

Among the main causes of erythrocytosis in babies at birth are the following:

• hypoxia;
• accommodation in mountain areas;
• congenital heart defect;
• anomalies bone marrow;
• woman smoking during pregnancy.

In addition, deviations from the norm can be observed in blood diseases.

In older children

In most cases, high rates are diagnosed when they are influenced by physiological factors. Thus, a constant excess of erythrocytes can be observed with intense mobility of the child, which in this case is not a deviation.

Other reasons include:

• visit sports sections;
• motor activity, for example, while washing floors;
• visiting smoking areas;
• Excessive fluid loss, which may occur with diarrhea or vomiting.

However, it is worth noting that erythrocytosis is not always manifested by harmless factors. Sometimes red blood cells can be exceeded as a result of the development of certain pathological processes:

• heart failure;
• increase pulmonary pressure;
• adrenal gland diseases;
• excess body weight;
• pathologies of the respiratory system.

One of the most dangerous reasons is considered a tumor in the kidneys or liver.

With the development of this pathology, the excess of the erythrocyte value increases up to several times. Therefore, it is recommended to perform blood tests regularly, every 12 months. This will allow you to identify deviations at early stages and begin timely implementation. therapeutic measures acceptance.

How to normalize indicators

If laboratory test showed that the red blood cells in the blood are increased, then it is necessary to take measures to eliminate this state.

The treatment regimen for each case will be individual. It all depends on the reasons why erythrocytosis was provoked.

When a blood test shows a high content of red cells, the doctor prescribes an additional diagnostic examination.

In the absence characteristic features it can be concluded that increased concentration the corpuscle arose due to a number of physiological factors. Later certain time indicators are independently accepted normal values, which does not require medical intervention.

If the signs make themselves felt, then the disease is first identified, and treatment is prescribed accordingly.

Often, a technique such as bloodletting is used to normalize red blood cells. Its use is advisable in the presence of a large volume of blood, against which there is an increase in pressure in the vessels.

Also appointed medications, whose action is aimed at diluting blood fluid, and vitamin complexes.

During the period of therapeutic measures, it is important to adhere to the regime proper nutrition. From children's diet you need to remove fatty foods, include a large amount of fruits and vegetables, cereals, dairy products and fish.

What could be the consequences?

If measures are not taken in a timely manner to bring the number of red blood cells to normal, this can lead to increased blood viscosity and the formation of blood clots.

Against the background of this condition, such serious complications like heart attack and stroke. Problems with the respiratory system and brain function are also possible.

Preventive measures

To ensure that red blood cells always remain normal, experts recommend following some simple preventive rules:

• monitor the child’s nutrition (the diet should be complete and balanced);
• relatives should not smoke in the presence of children;
• treat all diseases in a timely manner;
• ensure active and healthy image life to your child.

Red blood cells must be constantly monitored. This will allow you to detect any pathology on early stage development and prevent dangerous consequences.

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, play an important role in the functioning of the child's body. Their purpose is to transport oxygen to organs and systems and destroy carbon dioxide.

However, tests often show an elevated level of red cells. This means the development of pathologies in children's body.

What is the normal level of red blood cells in a child’s blood, why is the number of red blood cells increased, and is it necessary to reduce high levels?

What are red blood cells responsible for?

Red blood cells form in the bone marrow under the influence of “hemopoietin” (kidney hormone).

The main “material of their structure” is hemoglobin– a structural protein that binds carbon dioxide and oxygen. The number of red blood cells in the blood is several times higher than the number of other cells.

Externally, red cells resemble a disk, compacted around the edges. This structure helps red blood cells pass through the entire circulatory system and enrich their structure as much as possible.

The lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days. After the period expires, the cells begin to break down in the liver or spleen.

An increase in the red blood cell count does not always mean that there is a disease in the body.

Changes in the norm can provoke dehydration, consumption of poor-quality water, poisoning, etc.

Basic functions of red blood cells:

• direct participation in the functioning of the body’s protective functions;
• maintaining acid-base balance;
• filling tissues with oxygen;
• transfer of carbon dioxide to the lungs;
• transport of amino acids from digestive organs to tissues.

Normal for healthy and premature babies

Red blood cell levels may fluctuate depending on age and characteristics of the body.

Have just born baby there is a high level of red cells. This is explained by the need for normal blood circulation in the mother's womb.

Within a few days after the birth of the child, excess red blood cells begin to be destroyed, bringing the quantitative indicators back to normal.

Normal red blood cells in children under one year of age, including premature babies, per 1 liter of blood:

• on the first day of life – 5.4-7.2 × 10 × 12 units;
• after 3 days - 4-6.6 × 10 × 12 units;
• from 1st month to 1st year – 3-5.4×10×12 units.

After the 1st year the indicator begins to increase all the time and normally amounts to:

• from one to 12 years – 3.6-4.9 × 10 × 12 units;
• 12-13 years – 3.6-5.6×10×12 units;
• from 13 years and older for boys – 4.3-6.2 × 10 × 12 units, for girls – 3.8-5.5 × 10 × 12 units.

The latter indicators remain unchanged until the end of life.

Reasons for leveling up

So why does the norm exceed what is indicated by their increased number?

If V red blood cells are slightly elevated, this may indicate physiological changes – during unusual loads, outdoor games, body overheating, etc.

However, most often this indicator is due to the presence of a disease.

An increase in the number of red blood cells may indicate dehydration - a significant loss of fluid from the body.

Thickening of the blood occurs. This process is observed when severe poisoning, diarrhea, burns, stress, dysregulation nervous system, shock, etc.

Why are red blood cells in a child’s blood still elevated? Changes in blood cell counts may indicate prolonged hypoxia– oxygen starvation of the brain.

This condition develops in the presence of:

• congenital heart disease;
• anemia (anemia);
• diabetes mellitus;
• preeclampsia;
• severe obesity;
• lung diseases in the chronic stage;
• high altitude hypoxia;
• pulmonary hypertension.

An increase in the number of red cells ensures the transfer of more oxygen to organ tissues.

A similar situation can occur if the child is regularly exposed to secondhand smoke..

The red blood cell count increases to remove carbon dioxide from the body. tobacco smoke into the lungs.

An increased level of red blood cells in a child’s blood is also observed with erythremia – tumor process caused by the proliferation of red blood cells. The causes of the disease are still unknown to medicine.

In case of kidney disease with formation increased amount erythropoietin(a substance that originates in the kidneys) red blood cells may also be enlarged, which is often seen with kidney tumors.

Complications and consequences

Red cells live no more than 120 days. After this, they are destroyed in the spleen. If the work of red blood cells was intense, then death will occur faster.

At the same time, the bone marrow begins to work more actively to replace cellular loss.

Due to increased levels of red cells, the blood begins to thicken and blood flow becomes more difficult.

The patient begins to breathe heavily, the liver, spleen and kidneys enlarge in sizes. The heart has to work harder to pump thick blood. The activity of the brain and central nervous system decreases.

All these processes are dangerous and can lead to fatal outcome. Therefore, if red blood cells are elevated in the blood, It is important to consult a doctor in time and start therapy.

When to see a doctor

Erythrocytosis does not always mean that there is any disease in the body, but it can be considered one of the signs of a disorder in the body.

To find out the reason increased rate red cells, you should consult a doctor and undergo necessary research, get tested:

• ultrasound examination of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys;
• analysis for the level of leukocytes and platelets;
• intravenous pyelography (kidney x-ray);
• measuring the level of erythropoietin, hemoglobin and hematocrit (determining the ability of blood to carry oxygen);
• analysis on gas composition blood;
• general clinical analysis blood.

How to lower content

If there are diseases during internal organs not detected, then the pediatrician will refer you to a hematologist.

If the hematocrit level exceeds 65%, a method of bloodletting is prescribed.

The method is intended for erythrocytosis in newborns. It is carried out to rid the body of thick blood, instead of which normal blood is transfused.

Older children are prescribed hirudotherapy- use of medicinal leeches.

IN in rare cases Oxygen therapy may be necessary, in which the baby inhales air with a high oxygen content.

It cleanses the blood of red blood cells. The remaining substances are returned to the patient. 2 courses of erythrocytepheresis are enough to bring red cell counts back to normal.

The doctor may prescribe medications, capable of thinning the blood. A diet that excludes the consumption of fatty, spicy foods is also necessary.

The patient's diet includes:

• ginger;
• beans;
• onion;
• garlic;
• almond;
• oatmeal, buckwheat, wheat;
• tomatoes;
• dark chocolate;
• lemon, etc.

Elevated red blood cell count in children is a symptom occurring disturbances in the body. If you consult a doctor in time and start the prescribed treatment, complications and severe consequences can be avoided.

Good day, dear readers. Today we will talk about what to do if the red blood cells in a child’s blood are elevated. You will learn what manifestations characterize this condition. Find out what might be influencing this. Let's talk about preventive measures for this condition and ways to treat it.

Norm

Clinical blood tests allow us to determine the level of red blood cells in this biological fluid. Experts pay attention to both the quantity and quality of these cells. The interpretation of the tests should be carried out exclusively by a doctor. The norm of red blood cells in the blood of children is determined taking into account the age of the child. In babies under one year old, the number of red blood cells is higher. At two years of age, this indicator begins to normalize. At adult age, it is approximately equal to that of an adult.

There are two main types of erythrocytosis, deviations from the norm.

1. Relative. At the same time, the number of cells themselves does not increase. Erythrocytosis is triggered by loss of plasma and is observed when blood thickens.
2. Absolute. An increase in the red blood cells themselves is characteristic.

Possible reasons for the increase

Stomach flu can affect the increase in red blood cells in the blood

Some factors that provoke the growth of red blood cells are not dangerous for the child and affect short time. Others can cause consequences for the body. For example, a factor influencing erythrocytosis is living in a mountainous area. In this situation, a compensatory increase in red blood cells helps prevent mountain sickness.

Let's take a look at the main factors influencing the increase in the number of red blood cells:

• accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting;
• against the background of a viral disease;
• the result of physical activity;
• intensive sports activities;
• dry and hot air in the children's room;
• the baby is a passive smoker;
• consumption of bad water, passion for soda;
• result of burns;
• in newborns - a consequence of hypoxia.

Pathological factors include:

• congenital heart defect;
• pathological deviations in the functioning of the adrenal cortex;
• lung pathologies;
• hypernephroma;
• hematopoietic disorder;
• blood diseases;
• presence of oncology;

Characteristic symptoms

Erythrocytosis may cause headaches

The following signs may indicate that a baby has true erythrocytosis:

• redness of the skin, the surface of the skin becomes pinkish, after which it darkens, sometimes acquiring a purplish-blue tint (changes are characteristic of all parts of the body and even the mucous membranes);
• begin painful sensations in the fingers - it’s all due to a violation of vascular blood flow;
• paroxysmal pain may occur as a consequence of the presence in the tissues oxygen starvation;
• – problems with cerebral vessels;
• the size of the spleen may increase, since erythrocytosis causes overload of the organ;
• persistent hypertension is observed. This is typical for the presence of renal pathology. High blood pressure, in turn, affects vision problems and fatigue.

Diagnostics

When the number of red cells is slightly higher than normal, there is no need to worry. However, with a significant increase this indicator Blood thickening may begin and thrombosis may occur. And this can lead to a heart attack, breathing difficulties, stroke, and brain pathologies.

During the study, attention is paid to the maturity and shape of red blood cells, hemoglobin value and hematocrit. The number of other cells in the bloodstream is also assessed. If a toddler is diagnosed with erythrocytosis, then he will be prescribed an additional examination:

• blood biochemistry;
• kidney;
• checking blood for gas composition.

Red blood cell indices will also be taken into account. These studies help to establish correct diagnosis. If anisocytosis is present, the specialist will look for the cause of the disease in the liver and suspect bleeding or folate deficiency anemia.

How to lower the level

1. If the blood is very thick, bloodletting is sometimes required. This method practiced in newborns. Prescribed because it is present in the body thick blood. If this is the case with an older baby, then he will be prescribed hirudotherapy. Sometimes oxygen therapy may be required. The teenager is prescribed erythrocytepheresis. After two courses, the desired indicator returns to normal.
2. Blood thinners may be prescribed.
3. The patient must follow a diet that excludes spicy and fatty foods. It is necessary that the diet be balanced. The presence of legumes, ginger, onions and almonds, buckwheat, oatmeal and wheat, dark chocolate, lemon and tomato is important. It is also recommended to consume sour berries to thin the blood. tomato juice and beets.
4. It is important that the child drinks at least a liter of water per day, or better yet two. The baby needs to drink as much as possible. But don't give him soda.
5. Ventilate and humidify the room in which the baby lives.

Precautions

In order to prevent an increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations.

1. Take a clinical blood test at least once every six months to monitor these indicators.
2. Must be avoided excessive loads, both physical and psycho-emotional.
3. If you have illnesses respiratory system treat them in time.
4. Protect your baby from inhaling tobacco smoke.
5. Monitor what water your child drinks.
6. Avoid drinking soda.
7. Provide your child's diet with fruits and vegetables.

Now you know what causes of erythrocytosis may exist. As you can see, sometimes this physiological factors, but pathologies cannot be excluded. Therefore, when diagnosing an elevated level of red blood cells, it is so important to conduct a more detailed examination of the child in order to identify what exactly affected the erythrocytosis. Don’t forget about precautions to prevent deterioration of your little one’s health.

The condition when a child has elevated red blood cells is called erythrocytosis. As a rule, it is accompanying symptom many diseases, less often it can be an independent pathology within hereditary syndrome. Typically, erythrocytosis is accompanied by an increase in hematocrit. These two criteria are decisive in diagnosis.

The norm of red blood cells in children varies depending on age. Immediately after birth, they are significantly increased in comparison with adults, and then begin to gradually decrease, and in puberty they increase slightly again (values ​​are given in terms of 10¹² / l):

• in the first days - up to 6.6
• in the first month – up to 5.4
• in the first year – up to 4.9
• up to 12 years – up to 4.7
• under 19 years old – up to 5.6.

The second important diagnostic criterion is hematocrit. Its normal value is 55-66%. An increase in this indicator indicates blood thickening. And this already poses a danger with regard to thrombosis, the risk of which increases markedly against the background of erythrocytosis. Moreover, the platelet level is not important in this situation. When the blood thickens, they simply linger in the vessels due to slow blood flow, followed by platelet aggregation, which steadily progresses. This clot can enter any organ, causing sudden violation blood circulation in it. This is how heart attacks develop in early childhood.

Types of erythrocytosis

If the red blood cells in a child’s blood are elevated, this condition can be classified in two ways:

1. relative erythrocytosis
2. absolute erythrocytosis.

In the first case, the total mass of circulating red blood cells is not increased. The reasons lie elsewhere - in a decrease in plasma volume (dehydration). This criterion is always expressed as a percentage.

In the second case, hemoglobin and red blood cells per unit of blood volume are increased. This value is expressed in grams (hemoglobin) and the number of cells per liter or milliliter. The cause of absolute erythrocytosis is excessive stimulation of the bone marrow, in which cells of the blood system are formed. This can be both pathological and normal.

Causes of increased red blood cells in the blood

The reasons for the increase in red blood cells in a child’s blood depend on the relativity or absoluteness of the diagnosed erythrocytosis. If a percentage (relative) increased content of red cells is determined, then this indicates dehydration, which is a consequence of:

• food poisoning (vomiting and diarrhea)
• intoxication
• insufficient fluid intake into the child's body
• fever, etc.

An elevated absolute red blood cell count develops as a result of one of two possible mechanisms:

1. the rate and processes of erythropoietin formation are increased. This substance is a direct stimulator for the red germ of hematopoiesis. It affects the multipotent progenitor cell and determines the direction of its differentiation towards erythropoiesis
2. tumor transformation of blood cells.

An increase in erythropoietin is observed in conditions such as:

• isolated hereditary syndromes
• diseases in which the synthesis of erythropoietin increases secondarily (usually kidney pathology).

Erythropoietin is synthesized in the kidneys (in the so-called juxtaglomerular apparatus - glomeruli).

That's why elevated levels erythrocytes are observed with chronic lesion kidney:

• chronic pyelonephritis
• chronic glomerulonephritis
• heart failure involving the kidneys
• vascular anomalies of the renal artery
• diabetes mellitus with kidney damage
• autoimmune damage, etc.

Of the oncohematological diseases accompanied by an increase in red blood cells in the blood of children, it is worth pointing out Vaquez disease as the most common reason. It is accompanied by malignant proliferation of myeloid cells, incl. and red (at the same time the average volume of erythrocytes is reduced).

Erythrocytosis does not always indicate pathology. It can also be physiological.

This condition develops at high altitudes, where air oxygen saturation is reduced. In response to this, red blood cells are compensatoryly released from the bone marrow to ensure adequate oxygenation of organs and tissues.

The second cause of physiological erythrocytosis is considered to be intense sports activities. Hypertrophied (increased in volume) muscles need more oxygen than untrained people. To meet this need, additional hemoglobin is needed. It is present in red blood cells, the level of which also increases compensatoryly.

Diagnostic search

A blood test provides important initial information that helps in subsequent diagnosis to determine the specific causative disease.

Laboratory criteria for erythrocytosis are:

1. percentage or absolute increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin
2. increased hematocrit
3. slow erythrocyte sedimentation rate due to blood thickening.

This analysis also reveals situations where red blood cells are low in a child (anemia). This may be a consequence gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is very important to detect them in a timely manner. For this purpose in feces infant and older children is determined special tests iron. If it is detected, this confirms the presence of bleeding.

Blood tests can also reveal signs indicating stimulation of erythropoiesis. These include:

• elevated reticulocyte levels
• the presence of morphologically normal erythrocytes.

If blasts are not detected, then a similar picture indicates physiological erythrocytosis.

Principles of treatment

Treatment of erythrocytosis is carried out only if the causative disease is identified. It is not indicated for physiological erythrocytosis.

For oncohematological processes it is prescribed polychemotherapy with drugs, to which tumor cells are sensitive. Dehydration is a direct indication for introducing sufficient amounts of fluid into the child's body. If he is conscious, then it is administered by drinking (tea, water, compote, etc.), and if consciousness is impaired, then intravenously ( saline solution, Ringer's solution, etc.). For kidney pathology accompanied by severe erythrocytosis, hemodialysis is indicated.

Most parents, if general analysis blood red blood cells are elevated in the child, they begin to sound the alarm and diligently examine the child, trying to find serious illness. But erythrocytosis is not always a sign of illness; sometimes it occurs in healthy children. Let's consider in what cases an increase in the erythrocyte count is possible and how pathological abnormalities manifest themselves.

The rate of red blood cells changes as the child grows.

Observing the changes in the table, you can notice that red blood cells are normally highest in babies in the first days of life, and then the level gradually begins to decrease. Most low rate is observed towards the end of the first year of life, and then it slowly rises and in a child over 12 years of age it corresponds to the norm of an adult.

The content of red blood cells in the blood is considered to be excessive if the laboratory values ​​are above the upper limit of the standards. This condition is called erythrocytosis, and children are examined to determine the cause of the abnormalities.

Classification of erythrocytosis

Depending on the nature of the increase in the norm of red blood cells, there are 2 types of deviations:

• Relative. The number of red blood cells does not change, but the volume of circulating blood changes due to fluid loss from the body.
• True. The number of red blood cells increases.

A true or absolute increase in the norm of red blood cells in the blood of children is more difficult to correct and almost always indicates hematopoietic disorders.

Non-pathological causes

More often, erythrocytosis in childhood occurs not due to illness, but due to the characteristics of life. A child’s red blood cells may be elevated for the following non-pathological reasons:

• Regular physical activity. Constant physical effort increases the tissue need for oxygen, and the body increases the synthesis of “transporters” of oxygen molecules through the bloodstream. This is typical for young athletes and hyperactive children.
• Accommodation in high mountain areas. High in the mountains there is a low oxygen content in the air, and the child has increased red blood cells due to a natural compensatory reaction. Increasing the content of red cells in the bloodstream helps prevent oxygen starvation.
• Intrauterine hypoxia. This happens if the baby experienced oxygen starvation in the mother's womb. Erythrocytosis was necessary to compensate for the lack of oxygen. A gradual decrease to normal in an infant, if there are no other pathologies, occurs independently by the first month of life.
• Passive smoking. If a child is in a smoky room for a long time (this happens if parents smoke at home), then the hemoglobin of part of the red blood cells reacts with carbon monoxide and loses its transport capacity. To prevent oxygen starvation, the synthesis of blood cells in the child’s body increases.

If erythrocytosis is provoked by these reasons, then no treatment is required. Only in cases of nicotine poisoning should children be provided with walks. fresh air, and explain to parents the danger passive smoking for the child's body.

Influence of pathological factors

Red blood cells in a child are elevated, as in an adult, and may be due to the following reasons:

• Dehydration. Loss of fluid with diarrhea and vomiting (in case of poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases) or in case of non-compliance drinking regime (profuse sweating with small fluid intake). With dehydration, relative erythrocytosis is observed.
• Pathologies of the respiratory system. Difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs due to pneumonia, pulmonary obstruction or tuberculosis. To prevent oxygen starvation of tissues, the synthesis of red blood cells increases.
• Blood diseases. The activity of the hematopoietic germ may either pathologically increase and a large number of cells (usually immature) are synthesized, or the process of destruction of old red blood cells may be disrupted with the normal entry of young elements into the blood.
• Heart defects with hypertension in the pulmonary circle. The mechanism of the compensatory reaction is the same as for respiratory disorders.

Most terrible reason pathological increase in the norm of red blood cells are considered oncological processes in the kidneys and liver.

Many people know that a low erythrocyte level indicates anemia and is dangerous, but upward deviations are no less harmful to the body.

Symptoms of erythrocytosis

The physiological increase does not affect the child’s well-being in any way and is detected only during a routine medical examination.

A pathologically elevated erythrocyte level in children can be suspected by the following signs:

• Redness of the skin. In mild cases it is saturated pink tint, and if the standard is significantly exceeded, the color will be from purple to bluish.
• Headaches. Viscous blood has difficulty circulating through the vessels, and the brain tissue lacks oxygen. Subsequently, memory impairment, decreased vision and other cerebral disorders appear.
• Chilliness and loss of sensitivity in the limbs (possible pain syndrome). Associated with difficulty in peripheral circulation.
• Arterial hypertension. The development of childhood hypertension is associated with a decrease in peripheral blood flow and the accumulation of large amounts of blood in the great vessels.

A pediatrician can suspect a deviation of red blood cells from the norm in children by palpating the spleen. A sign of pathological enlargement will be an enlargement of the organ.

Erythrocytosis is easily diagnosed by taking a finger prick blood test. If the symptoms described above appear in children, parents are advised to immediately visit a pediatrician and conduct a laboratory blood test.

Danger of pathology

A slight excess of the reference values ​​is not dangerous and does not cause discomfort to children. Often small deviations from the norm remain undetected and go away on their own, for example, when replenishing the lost volume of fluid or after recovery from pulmonary diseases.

If the generally accepted norm for red blood cells is significantly exceeded, then due to blood viscosity the risk of developing the following complications increases:

• thrombosis of blood vessels of the extremities;
• the appearance of respiratory failure;
• heart attack;
• stroke;
• chronic cerebral hypoxia.

Most dangerous complication is thromboembolism pulmonary artery. With pulmonary embolism, death occurs within a few minutes; the child can only be saved in a hospital setting.

Most adults will confidently argue that heart attacks and strokes do not happen in childhood. Unfortunately, thrombosis of the brain vessels or heart arteries develops at any age, even in children, so you need to pay close attention to the health of children and undergo laboratory diagnostics at the first suspicion of pathology.

Treatment options

Therapy to reduce the red blood cell count depends on the cause of the increase:

• Dehydration. Necessary drinking plenty of fluids to replenish lost moisture, and severe cases intravenous infusions are prescribed.
• Respiratory diseases. Drugs are prescribed to increase lung function and improve gas exchange.
• Blood disease. Depending on the mechanism of increasing the number of red blood cells: either the hyperfunction of the hematopoietic germ is inhibited with medication, or the organs responsible for the destruction of blood cells (spleen and liver) are treated. To alleviate the condition of severe thickening, children undergo hemosorption (part of the blood is removed, passed through a sieve that retains red blood cells, and returned to the little patient’s bloodstream).
• Heart failure. The underlying disease is treated and medications are used to improve blood flow in the lungs and lower blood pressure.
• Oncological processes. Cancer treatment tactics are selected by the oncologist depending on the severity of the process. Additionally used medications that can increase pulmonary ventilation.

The most favorable prognosis for erythrocytosis caused by dehydration: to lower the erythrocyte level, it is enough to replenish the volume of lost fluid. The most unfavorable is in case of insufficiency of myocardial contractile function and oncology.

Elevated red blood cells in the analysis in children may be a variant of the norm or indicate development pathological process. If the excess is insignificant and the children feel well, there is no need to panic, but it is also not recommended to neglect a visit to the pediatrician. Only a doctor can distinguish physiological (non-dangerous) erythrocytosis from pathological one.