Understanding Polycythemia: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms

KOMPAS.com – Polycythemia can cause serious health problems.

This is because more red blood cells are produced, making the blood thicker and at risk of clotting.

This article will review more about polycythemia, its definition, causes, and symptoms so you can be self-aware of this condition.

Also read: Polycythemia Vera

What is polycythemia?

Quoting Medical News Today, polycythemia is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in red blood cells in the body.

Automatic hemoglobin levels also increase above the normal limits of a person’s age and sex.

High hemoglobin levels can be known only by doing a blood test.

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein molecule that contains iron in red blood cells.

Typically, a hemoglobin level is considered high if:

In males: above 16.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) In females: above 16 g/dL In children: above 16.6 g/dL In infants: above 18 g/dL dL

Also read: Get to know what Hemoglobin is, Functions and Associated Diseases

What causes polycythemia?

The cause of polycythemia will determine the type of this condition. The following is the classification, as quoted from Medical News Today:

Primary polycythemia is also known as polycythemia vera.

Polycythemia vera is a rare, slow-growing blood cancer. This condition is also known as a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Polycythemia vera occurs when the bone marrow produces too many precursor blood cells and functions abnormally. Thus, causing the production of excess red blood cells.

Secondary polycythemia occurs, due to the following possibilities:

Sufferers are at very high altitudes Obstructive sleep apnea Tumors Heart or lung disease that causes low oxygen levels in the body.

Also read: 8 Features of High Hb That Need to Know

What are the symptoms of polycythemia?

Quoted from Health Grades, symptoms of polycythemia include:

Difficulty breathing Dizziness Excessive bleeding Fatigue Upper abdominal fullness Headache Itchy skin Flushed face Changes in skin color, turning blueish Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Impaired vision

Also read: 9 Causes of High Hb, Can be Lifestyle and Health Problems

These symptoms can become more severe and may have other life-threatening symptoms, such as the following:

Confusion or loss of consciousness, even for a moment Difficulty breathing Loss of balance Loss of vision Numbness or weakness in limbs or face Sudden chest or shoulder discomfort

Polycythemia which causes blood thickening, increases the risk of blood clots, and ultimately has the potential to cause strokes, heart attacks, and other complications.

So, you have to be aware of the symptoms of polycythemia. You should immediately consult a doctor if you feel these symptoms.

Also read: 2 Foods to Avoid to Lower High Hb

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2023-09-07 13:00:00
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