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What Causes Elevated Red Blood Cell Count?
Question: I have been told that I have an elevated red blood count. I was tested for sleep apnea and the results do not seem to affect the count. What other reason could cause an elevated count and is this a health concern?
Brief Answer:
Pathological & physiological conditions can cause elevated red blood cells
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Elevated red blood cells can occur in number of pathological and physiological conditions.
Common pathological conditions are fever, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea etc.
Physiological conditions include high altitude, smoking etc.
When the above mentioned conditions are ruled out, neoplastic conditions like polycthemia rubra vera needs to be ruled out.
Sleep apnea may not be associated with elevated red blood cell count.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Thanks and take care
DR Shailja Puri
Pathological & physiological conditions can cause elevated red blood cells
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Elevated red blood cells can occur in number of pathological and physiological conditions.
Common pathological conditions are fever, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea etc.
Physiological conditions include high altitude, smoking etc.
When the above mentioned conditions are ruled out, neoplastic conditions like polycthemia rubra vera needs to be ruled out.
Sleep apnea may not be associated with elevated red blood cell count.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Thanks and take care
DR Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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