What are the most common symptoms of polycythemia?
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia, or erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. See your GP if you have persistent symptoms of polycythaemia. You should also get emergency medical help if you think you or someone you're with is having a heart attack or stroke. Show
Symptoms of polycythaemiaA high concentration of red blood cells in your blood makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Mild cases of polycythaemia may not cause any problems, but some people with polycythaemia can experience:
You should make an appointment to see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of polycythaemia. When to get immediate medical adviceThe slow blood flow associated with polycythaemia can also cause blood clots. These can be serious because they may put you at risk of life-threatening problems such as:
In some cases, a blood clot – known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – may form in your leg, before moving elsewhere in your body. Signs of DVT or a pulmonary embolism can include:
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately. You should also seek emergency medical help if you think that you or someone you are with is having a heart attack or stroke. Causes of polycythaemiaPolycythaemia can be divided into several different types, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, an underlying cause can't be identified. Apparent polycythaemia’Apparent polycythaemia’ is where your red cell count is normal, but you have a reduced amount of a fluid called plasma in your blood, making it thicker. The condition is often caused by being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or taking certain medications – such as diuretics for high blood pressure. A similar condition that's sometimes called ’relative polycythaemia’ can also occur as a result of dehydration. Apparent polycythaemia may improve if the underlying cause is identified and managed. Stopping smoking or reducing your alcohol intake, for example, may help. Absolute polycythaemia‘Absolute polycythaemia’ is where your body produces too many red blood cells. There are two main types:
Both PV and secondary polycythaemia are described in more detail below. Polycythaemia vera (PV)PV is a rare condition usually caused by a fault in the JAK2 gene. The condition causes the bone marrow cells to produce too many red blood cells. The affected bone marrow cells can also develop into other cells found in the blood. This means that people with PV may also have abnormally high numbers of both platelets (thrombocytosis) and white bloods cells (leukocytosis). Although caused by a genetic fault, PV isn't usually inherited. Most cases develop later in life, with 60 the average age of diagnosis. Secondary polycythaemiaSecondary polycythaemia is where an underlying condition causes more erythropoietin to be produced. This is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells. Conditions that can cause secondary polycythaemia include:
How polycythaemia is diagnosedPolycythaemia can be diagnosed by carrying out a blood test to check:
A high concentration of red blood cells suggests you have polycythaemia. Your GP may have ordered a blood test because you reported some of the above symptoms or complications. But polycythaemia is sometimes only discovered during a routine blood test for another reason. Your GP may refer you to a haematologist (a specialist in conditions affecting the blood) for more tests, to confirm the diagnosis and to work out the underlying cause. These may include a blood test to look for the faulty JAK2 gene and an ultrasound scan of your abdomen to look for problems in your kidneys. Treating polycythaemiaTreatment for polycythaemia aims to prevent symptoms and complications (such as blood clots), and treat any underlying causes. Treatment can include:
The health professional looking after your care will discuss the most appropriate treatment option with you. Treating and preventing other conditionsSome people may also need treatment for any other symptoms or complications of polycythaemia they have, or for any underlying cause of the condition. For example, you may be given medication to help relieve itching, manage COPD or treat gout. Lifestyle changesAs well as improving some cases of apparent polycythaemia, making healthy lifestyle changes can also reduce your risk of potentially serious blood clots for people with all types of polycythaemia. Having polycythaemia means you're already at high risk of a blood clot, and being overweight or smoking only increases this risk. OutlookThe outlook for polycythaemia largely depends on the underlying cause. Many cases are mild and may not lead to any further complications. Some cases – particularly cases of PV – can be more serious and require long-term treatment. If well controlled, polycythaemia shouldn't affect your life expectancy, and you should be able to live a normal life. People with PV can have a slightly lower life expectancy than normal due to the increased risk of problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. PV can also sometimes cause scarring of the bone marrow (myelofibrosis). This can eventually lead to you having too few blood cells. In some rare cases, the condition can develop into a type of cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). If you have polycythaemia, it's important to take any medication you're prescribed. It is also important to keep an eye out for signs of possible blood clots to help reduce your risk of serious complications. What is the most common symptom in the early stage of polycythemia?Many people with polycythemia vera don't have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower.
When should you suspect polycythemia?Diagnosis. PV should be suspected when hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels are elevated (i.e., hemoglobin level greater than 18 g per dL [180 g per L] in white men and 16 g per dL [160 g per L] in blacks and women; hematocrit level greater than 52 percent (0.52) in white men and 47 percent (0.47) in blacks and women).
How can you tell if a person has polycythemia?Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.
Can you have polycythemia and not have cancer?Polycythemia vera (PV) is a kind of cancer, but most people continue living well for decades after diagnosis. It qualifies as a cancer because it involves uncontrolled cell production. However, it takes a long time for uncontrolled production of red blood cells to begin affecting you.
|