What are Red Blood Cells (RBCs)?

About Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

• RBCs, or erythrocytes, are one of the components of blood. (The others are plasma, platelets and white blood cells.) 
• Function:
  • They deliver oxygen to the tissues throughout the human body. 
  • Oxygen turns into energy, and tissues release carbon dioxide.
  • RBCs also transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
• Where are RBCs made?
  • They are made in the bone marrow.
  • They typically live for about 120 days, and then they die.
• Hemoglobin:
  • RBCs contain a protein called haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs, forming oxyhemoglobin.
  • Haemoglobin also helps carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs as carbaminohemoglobin.
• Shape:  
  • RBCs are biconcave, disc-shaped cells with a dimple in the centre on both sides. This unique shape increases the surface area of the cell, allowing for efficient gas exchange.
  • It is covered with a membrane composed of lipids and proteins and lacks a nucleus.
• What does a low RBC count mean?
  • A low RBC count, known as anaemia, can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and other symptoms. If untreated, anaemia can lead to serious complications. 
  • In many cases, anaemia occurs when people don’t eat a nutrient-rich diet.
  • It can also be caused by pregnancy and certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and kidney disease.
  • Choosing foods that are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals can help raise the RBC count. 

What is Sickle cell anaemia?

• It is an inherited blood disorder.
• It affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. 
• People with this disease have atypical haemoglobin molecules called haemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
• These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.
• What causes it?
  • The cause of Sickle cell disease is a defective gene called a sickle cell gene.
  • A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two genes are inherited—one from the mother and one from the father.
• Treatments:
  • The only cure for this disease is bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
  • However, there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms, lessen complications, and prolong life.