Macrocytosis is the term given for large sized red blood cells. The red blood cells are vital part of our blood that transports oxygenated blood to all the organs of the body. In a given space only certain number of blood cells can be accommodated. When the blood cells become larger in size only few cells can fit in the given space leading to insufficient supply of oxygen and blood.
This in turn can cause deficiency of oxygen throughout the body leading thus affecting the normal functions of many organs. Macrocytosis is also known as megaloblastic anemia. Some of the common symptoms of macrocytosis include dizziness, loss of balance, confusion and dementia. The disease is primarily caused by vitamin deficiency and also by liver problems and alcoholism.
Facts about RBC :
Our blood is made of large component of red blood cells which gives the characteristic color (red) to the blood. One cubic mm of blood can contain about 52 million RBC in men and about 46 million RBC in women. On an average 45% of blood contains RBC. Red blood cells does not have particular shape (it can be round, flat or concave) and do not contain any nucleus.
Interestingly it can change its shape anytime without breaking. RBC contains a special molecule called hemoglobin that is intended to carry oxygenated blood to the body. During macrocytic anemia (since RBC becomes larger in size) there is less of hemoglobin leading to oxygen deficiency. This would cause anemia during which the hemoglobin level is much lesser than normal level.
Symptoms :
Macrocytosis does not show any symptoms and many times it is detected only during routine blood tests. As such it is not a disease but is indicative of medical problem. Some of the common signs of macrocytosis include fatigue, weakness, indigestion, and certain neurological problems like depression, confusion and loss of balance. Some people can get palpitation, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of angina.