What are the most common symptoms of polycythemia?

What are the most common symptoms of polycythemia?

More common symptoms include:

• dizziness or vertigo.
• headaches.
• excessive sweating.
• itchy skin.
• ringing in the ears.
• blurred vision.
• fatigue.
• reddish or purplish skin on the palms, earlobes, and nose.

What are symptoms of polycythemia?

What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?

• Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath and trouble breathing while lying down.
• Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, and blind spots.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Night sweats.
• Face and becomes red and warm (flushed)

What causes Polycythaemia?

Apparent polycythaemia is often caused by being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or taking certain medicines – including diuretics (tablets for high blood pressure that make you pee more). Apparent polycythaemia may improve if the underlying cause is identified and managed.

How Polycythemia is diagnosed?

To diagnose PV, your doctor will perform a test called a complete blood count (CBC) to see if your number of red blood cells is higher than normal. Your doctor may also test your blood to look for amounts of a hormone called erythropoietin. Lower-than-normal levels of this hormone can be a sign of PV.

What is difference between polycythemia and polycythemia vera?

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.

Is polycythemia a death sentence?

There is currently no cure for PV, but the disease is not necessarily a death sentence. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the median life expectancy after diagnosis is 20 years.

How do I treat secondary polycythemia?

Treatment for secondary polycythemia should control or eliminate the underlying condition. Symptom relief may include medications such as antihistamines to relieve itching, or aspirin to soothe pain and burning associated with the disorder.

What are rare blood disorders?

Rare Blood Disorders: About Rare Blood Disorders. There are two types of rare blood disorders. Myeloproliferative disorders originate when the bone marrow starts making too many red blood cells, platelets, or certain white blood cells. Together these disorders are referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Is polycythemia vera fatal?

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.