The polycythemia is an increase in the volume of red blood cells in the blood. There are two types:
- the primary polycythemia , directly associated with defects in the production of red blood cells
- the secondary polycythemia , which depends on other factors or health problems that affect the production of red blood cells
Polycythemias are the primary polycythemia vera , a disease of the bone marrow that increases the production of red blood cells, and congenital polycythemia family primitive , where the problem is an increased sensitivity to erythropoietin. In both cases, it is believed that the underlying disease is genetic mutations.
The secondary polycythemias, however, is typically associated with an increased production of erythropoietin. The conditions that cause this are: chronic hypoxia (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, abnormal blood flow in the kidneys, pulmonary hypertension, congenital defects of hemoglobin or live at high altitude) or the presence of tumors that produce erythropoietin (such as hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and tumors of the uterus). Also, sometimes even benign renal cysts, hydronephrosis and a rare genetic disorder, polycythemia Chuvash, can lead to an increase in erythropoietin.
Finally, the relative polycythemia can be associated with a reduction in the blood volume caused by dehydration. It can be, for example, associated with severe diarrhea, strong vomiting or excessively sweating. Even the so-called polycythemia stress is due to a decrease in plasma volume, while the smoker's polycythemia is due to increased hemoglobin linked to carbon dioxide.
Polycythemia can be detected as an increase above normal hematocrit, the hemoglobin or red blood cell count. The associated symptoms include weakness, fatigue, headache, itching, bruising, abdominal and joint pain or dizziness.
What kind of diseases can be associated with polycythemia?
The following diseases may be associated with polycythemia:
- Adenocarcinoma
- COPD
- Renal cell carcinoma
- HCC
- Emphysema
- Polycythemia family congenital primitive
- Polycythemia vera
- Uterine cancer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence
What is the therapy for polycythemia?
The best remedy in case of polycythemia depends on its cause. The primary polycythemias generally require a phlebotomy (drain). Sometimes drugs should be undertaken, to reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
In case of secondary polycythemia treatment should instead be targeted to treat the underlying condition.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of polycythemia?
In case of polycythemia, it is good to undergo regular checks and call a doctor if you experience the presence of bleeding, severe breathing difficulties or symptoms that suggest a stroke in progress, such as difficulty speaking or weakness on one side of the body.
