Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, and returns carbon monoxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Hemoglobin values are related to a person's age and sex. Low hemoglobin levels in the blood are referred to as anemia. High hemoglobin levels in the blood are caused by

cancer,
lung diseases,
bone marrow disorders,
blood doping,
living at a high altitude, and
inappropriate use of the drug Epogen.

Treatment of a high or low hemoglobin level depends on the cause.

Read the Hemoglobin Levels Main Article

Doctor's Notes on Hemoglobin Levels Symptoms

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Anemia

Anemia can be caused by many conditions and diseases such as iron deficiency, poor diet and nutrition, cancers, bone marrow problems, and more. Symptoms of anemia depend upon the cause, and progression of the disease. Treatment depends upon the cause of anemia.
Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy or "chemo" is a treatment for cancer. Depending on the type of cancer an individual has, it can cure cancer, control cancer. or ease cancer symptoms. There are a variety of cancer drugs. There are a number of support groups to assist chemotherapy patients gain the help they need to move through this very trying treatment.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition in which there is a long-lasting obstruction of the airways, and occurs with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or asthma. Causes of COPD include cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke and environmental tobacco smoke, Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, airway hyper-responsiveness, and air pollution. Symptoms of COPD include a productive cough and acute chest illness, shortness of breath, wheezing, heart failure, cyanosis, and weight loss. Treatment of COPD includes medications, oxygen therapy, surgery, and lung transplant.
Colon Cancer

The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus. Most colon cancers start as adenomatous polyps that turn into adenocarcinomas. Colon cancer (bowel cancer) is typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopic procedures. Treatment methods include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. The complete blood count test provides valuable information about the quantity of the different types of cells in the blood. The major cells in the blood are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Complete blood count can assist in diagnosing anemia, certain cancers, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
Emphysema

Emphysema a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs. The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Causes and risk factors for emphysema include cigarette smoking, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, air pollution, abnormal airway reactivity, gender, and age. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes (quitting smoking), surgery, and lung transplantation.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding either comes from the upper GI or lower GI tract. Upper GI bleeding can be caused by ulcers, gastritis, varices, cancer, or inflammation. Lower GI bleeding is caused by diverticulitis, cancers, IBD, infection, polyps, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Symptoms and signs of GI bleeding include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, vomiting blood, rectal bleeding, anemia, or a pale appearance. Treatment of GI bleeding depends on the cause.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Hemoglobin A1c (hemoglobin A1c) is a test used at times to monitor blood glucose in people with diabetes. HbA1c is a long-term indicator of blood glucose control. This test also monitors the effects of diet, exercise, and drug therapy on the patient's blood glucose. The normal range for hemoglobin A1c is less than 6%. HbA1c cannot be used to monitor day-to-day blood glucose levels.
Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)

Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which there is an increased number of red blood cells in the blood. There are two types of polycythemia; 1) primary polycythemia and 2) secondary polycythemia. The two main conditions of primary polycythemia are polycythemia vera (PV) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Causes of secondary polycythemia include conditions as a result of chronic hypoxia such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Examples of symptoms of polycythemia include easy bruising or bleeding, blood clot formation, headache, itching, and fatigue. Treatment for polycythemia depends on the cause. Untreated polycythemia generally has a poor outcome for the patient.
Kidney Infection

Kidney infection occurs when an infection from the bladder and urinary tract moves upward into the kidneys. Kidney infection is also referred to as pyelonephritis. Kidney infection has many causes, and common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, fatigue, burning urination, and others. Treatment for kidney infection is with antibiotics.
Pernicious Anemia (Vitamin B-12 Deficiency)

Pernicious anemia (vitamin B-12 deficiency) is a type of anemia that is a result of the body's inability to absorb vitamin B-12 into the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Causes of pernicious anemia can be attributed to autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders, vitiligo, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and infection and poor nutrition. Treatment for pernicious anemia is generally with life-long vitamin B-12 injections.
Sickle Cell Crisis

Sickle cell disease is a form of anemia and is the most common hereditary blood disorders with symptoms of dehydration, fever, and cold exposure. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are shaped abnormally, and have a "sickle" shape.
Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy.

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Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a form of anemia and is the most common hereditary blood disorders with symptoms of dehydration, fever, and cold exposure. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are shaped abnormally, and have a "sickle" shape.