If you have large red blood cells then you have a medical condition known as macrocytosis, which comes under 289.89 on the ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) 9-CM classification list as "Other specified diseases of blood and blood-forming organs" (just in case you ever have to fill out a Medicare form).
Macrocytosis is sometimes referred to as megaloblastic anemia and is basically the lack of practical red blood cells which means the possibility oxygen deficiency all over the body. Eventually, this absence of oxygen can cause symptoms related to many organ systems.
Common symptoms of macrocytosis are similar to anaemia and include fatigue, poor concentration, dizziness, pallor and shortness of breath. In more serious cases it can lead to neurological conditions, but generally there are no signs or symptoms and is typically detected on routine blood tests with the patient feeling fine.
Macrocytosis can be caused by several different factors, these include; vitamin B-12 deficiency, folate deficiency, liver disease, alcoholism, a side effect of certain medications (chemotherapy drugs for example) or increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow after heavy blood loss.
Unsurprisingly if you are diagnosed with macrocytosis due to deficiencies of folate or vitamin B-12 you will be given a course of those to take or receive injections. If it is blood cell production, you may receive a blood transfusion.
If you are experiencing neurological symptoms such as confusion, dementia, depression, loss of balance and numbness or tingling in hands and feet then you should seek urgent medical attention.
Macrocytosis is sometimes referred to as megaloblastic anemia and is basically the lack of practical red blood cells which means the possibility oxygen deficiency all over the body. Eventually, this absence of oxygen can cause symptoms related to many organ systems.
Common symptoms of macrocytosis are similar to anaemia and include fatigue, poor concentration, dizziness, pallor and shortness of breath. In more serious cases it can lead to neurological conditions, but generally there are no signs or symptoms and is typically detected on routine blood tests with the patient feeling fine.
Macrocytosis can be caused by several different factors, these include; vitamin B-12 deficiency, folate deficiency, liver disease, alcoholism, a side effect of certain medications (chemotherapy drugs for example) or increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow after heavy blood loss.
Unsurprisingly if you are diagnosed with macrocytosis due to deficiencies of folate or vitamin B-12 you will be given a course of those to take or receive injections. If it is blood cell production, you may receive a blood transfusion.
If you are experiencing neurological symptoms such as confusion, dementia, depression, loss of balance and numbness or tingling in hands and feet then you should seek urgent medical attention.
