5. (BETA) Blood Cell Deficiencies - Part 1. -- Aegis Site Map
These can be broken down into deficiencies due to inadequate blood cell production and those due to excessive blood cell destruction or loss. Blood cell de...
Blood cell deficiencies may be the result of an autoimmune response in which a person's immune system attacks the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow.
Expert: Karen Brawner
Date: 5/5/2005
Subject: Small Red Blood Cells
Question
In 2001 during a yearly physical I complained of being tired all of the time so my doctor did a full blood panel and found I had small red blood cells. After a 2nd test confirmed the 1st I was sent to a hematologist for more blood work. The hematologist said I had a chronic illness but whatever it was it seemed to be doing ok right then. He encouraged me to have yearly blood screens to keep an eye on things. This year I again had small red blood cells and they described them as "shiny". With that said, does blood cell shape indicate disease or not? and what does the shiny description mean to me? good, bad, ugly? I have emailed you recently about SLE and I am checking into a doctor at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) whose emphasis is on Lupus. Anyway, you were so quick to respond last time I am asking again. Thanks, Belinda
Answer
Dear Belinda, I am not a hematologist, but aI did a little research about blood cells and from what I gather, shiny basically means the red blood cells still contain hemoglobin..
As for the size, small red blood cells usually indicate anemia.... Like I said, I am not a hematologist and you really need to talk with your doctor and ask him these questions...
thank you, karen
The small red blood cells are one of many odd type symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia also known as Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. The chemical exposure to suspect for this is very commonplace. Exposure looks like 'the flu'
Research on 2-butoxyethanol says it causes this type of blood damage. Also suspect it for autoimmune issues and tumors and damage to organs/ glands / blood & blood forming organs. Suspect it for causing Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Per definition doctors have not been able to find this fatigue.
