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What happens to your body when your blood count is low?

What happens to your body when your blood count is low?

A low red blood count, or anemia, can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness. When a person has a lower red blood count than is normal, their body has to work harder to get enough oxygen to the cells. A low red blood cell (RBC) count can cause a variety of symptoms and health complications.

Should I worry about low blood count?

If you have signs and symptoms of a low hemoglobin count, make an appointment with your doctor. Signs and symptoms can include: Fatigue. Weakness.

What are the side effects of low red blood cell count?

If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include:

  • fatigue.
  • shortness of breath.
  • dizziness, weakness, or lightheadedness, particularly when you change positions quickly.
  • increased heart rate.
  • headaches.
  • pale skin.

What causes blood counts to drop?

Low blood counts can have many causes, including vitamin deficiencies, bleeding, and rare bone marrow failure diseases like aplastic anemia , MDS and PNH. If your blood tests are abnormal, your doctor may do other blood tests or take a sample of your bone marrow to find out why.

Is a low blood count serious?

The most serious complications of low blood cell counts include: Infection. With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils, you’re at higher risk of developing an infection. And if you develop an infection when you have a low white blood cell count, your body can’t protect itself.

What causes extremely low blood count?

Low blood counts can have many causes, including vitamin deficiencies, bleeding, and rare bone marrow failure diseases like aplastic anemia , MDS and PNH. If your blood tests are abnormal, your doctor may do other blood tests or take a sample of your bone marrow to find out why.

What medications cause low blood count?

A number of medications can cause low platelet count by triggering immunologic reaction against the platelets. This is called drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Some of the medications that can cause this condition are digoxin, quinine, quinidine, Sulfonamide antibiotics, rifampin, and acetaminophen.

What are the dangers of low BP?

Common symptoms of potentially dangerous low blood pressure are dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, dehydration and blurred vision.

What does having a low blood count mean?

A low red blood cell count may be indicative of certain health problems, including anemia, blood loss, or malnutrition. People who have a low level of red blood cells may also be deficient in certain nutrients, particularly iron. A low count may be normal for some people, including pregnant women or young women who have just begun menstruating.