What can cause your high red blood count and a low white blood count?

Question

My 70 year old grandfather is in the hospital, and the doctors are having trouble diagnosing him they keep ruiling out the really bad thinkgs but we still want to know whats wrong. He is very dizzy and was dry heaving alot after he actually vomited alot, he is complaining of a headache and can hardly stay awake.

Answer 1

Your grandfather might be suffering from the following:

Right shift – infection (viral)
-relatively low WBC’s ( white blood cells)
-relatively low neutrophils
-relatively high lymphocytes or RBC's ( red blood cells)


This infection would start a domino effect. The vomiting is probably also due to the infection. Resultant dehydration would also attribute to his dizziness and headaches and dry heaving. . Because of his age, he might be suffering from Viral Pneumonia. He really require a good round of broad spectrum antibiotics.to combat this infection. as his immune system is compromised. He also require fluids( Intravenous ) and rest and adequate nutrition to combat the infection. the doctors can usually diagnose this infection via a ( BC for C&S) blood culture and sensitivity and x-rays.

Answer 2

That is a general response to infection which is why they are having a hard time diagnosing him. The best thing you can do is to be there for him, be supportive and try to help him with the therapy they prescribe for him. He is probably getting iv fluids to help with dehydration r/t the vomiting and dizzyness, they may also put an NG tube down which is just a little tube through his nose to his stomach (it's not painful at all) and it can suck out the yuck in his stomach so he feels better and stops dry heaving. I hope he feels better soon, just try to be there for him as much as you can!