Low red blood cell count due to chemotherapy
Low red blood cell count due to chemotherapy
A low red blood cell count is called anaemia. It causes tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and gums, headache and dizziness.
Key points to remember about low red blood cell count due to chemotherapy
This page is part of a whole section about childhood cancer.
- red blood cells carry oxygen around the body
- a low red blood cell count is called anaemia
What do red blood cells do?
Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Oxygen enters the body through the lungs, attaches to haemoglobin in the red blood cells, and passes to all the organs and tissues of the body.
What is anaemia?
A low red blood cell count is called anaemia.
Signs of anaemia are:
- tiredness
- shortness of breath
- pale skin and gums
- headache and
- dizziness
What is the treatment for anaemia?
To correct anaemia, your child may need to have a red blood cell transfusion.
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Ministry of Health NZ
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This page last reviewed 25 May 2018.
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