Red blood cells carried oxygen from the lungs to the various muscles and organs of the body. The main component of red blood cells is the molecule hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and later releases it. A red blood cell count is a measure of the amount of red blood cells in the body. When the red blood cell count is low, the supply of oxygen to the body declines. Numerous conditions can contribute to a drop in red blood cell count.
Bone Marrow Failure
MedlinePlus states that bone marrow failure can cause a decline in red blood count. Both red and white blood cells are created in the bone marrow. Radiation, toxins and tumors can destroy bone tissue and affect the marrow's ability to produce red blood cells.
In order to test for bone marrow failure, a sample of myeloid tissue can be drawn in order to conduct aspiration biopsy cytological tests. Severely damaged bone marrow may be treated with a bone marrow transplant.
Anemia
Anemia is a term describing a number of conditions that involve a deficiency of hemoglobin, the oxygen-binding molecule within the blood cells. Factors such as chronic disease, dietary deficiency and the use of certain medications can result in an inadequate level of hemoglobin. Anemia can occur when there is a lack of sufficient red blood cell levels or when adequate numbers of red blood cells are present but the hemoglobin itself is inadequate, according to Gary Thibodeau, author of "The Human Body in Health and Disease".
Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. Some anemias respond readily to dietary supplementation, others may require blood transfusions or medication.
Blood Loss
Sometimes low red blood cell count is a result of loss of blood itself. MayoClinic.com notes that various forms of bleeding can contribute to a decline in red blood cells. The most obvious example of this would be bleeding from a wound. Internal bleeding, which may occur in ulcers or kidney stones, can cause a drop in red blood cell count though the individual may have no idea that they're bleeding. Nosebleeds and heavy menstrual periods can lower red blood count as well. Overzealous blood donors may also find their red blood count falling to less than desirable levels.
References
- MedlinePlus: Anemia
- MayoClinic.com: Low Hemoglobin Count
- The Human Body in Health and Disease; Gary Thibodeau, PhD and Kevin Patton, PhD; 2002
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Formation of Blood Cells
