Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Smoking Increase Hemoglobin Level In Blood?
Question: Dear Doctors,
Smoking elevate hemoglobin? If so, then it would seem like smoking is a solution to low hemoglobins, no?
Smoking elevate hemoglobin? If so, then it would seem like smoking is a solution to low hemoglobins, no?
Brief Answer:
Increase in Hb due to smoking is an compensatory mechanism of body.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
It is true that smoking increases hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit levels.
However, this is not a treatment for low hemoglobin.
Due to smoking the oxygen delivery to tissues and cells of body is decreased.
In order to compensate for this, body increases red blood cell mass to be improve oxygen delivery to tissues and cells.
So, increase in hemoglobin is just a compensatory mechanism.
If smoking continues, the body's capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues fails at some point.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Increase in Hb due to smoking is an compensatory mechanism of body.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
It is true that smoking increases hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit levels.
However, this is not a treatment for low hemoglobin.
Due to smoking the oxygen delivery to tissues and cells of body is decreased.
In order to compensate for this, body increases red blood cell mass to be improve oxygen delivery to tissues and cells.
So, increase in hemoglobin is just a compensatory mechanism.
If smoking continues, the body's capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues fails at some point.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
