What Causes Extreme Exhaustion And Shortness Of Breath?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : HI im 29yrs old I had blood work done and I was told I have a high RBC of 4.97 and the reason I went in because I am always tired and have no energy are these symptoms to a high RBC. I have had problems with shortness of breathe. Is this something serious?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need proper clinical examination &investigations.It is not very serious.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

RBC count 4.97 is within normal limit.Normal RBC count is adult(females) is 4.2-5.4 million/ml.So,your findings are normal.

Your symptoms may be due to some other reasons.It is important to know result of other investigations like random blood sugar,liver function test,renal function test,thyroid profile,lipid profile,urine RE/ME,chest X-ray (PA view).

Mild cases of polycythemia(high RBC count) may not cause any symptoms but it may cause blurred vision,chest pain,headache etc.
I don't think your symptoms are due to high RBC count. Infact,your findings are normal.

You need proper clinical examination and investigations.
It is important to exclude cardiopulmonary causes for shortness of breath.

Psychological factors should also be ruled out in your age.
Proper treatment depend upon findings.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E