POLYCYTHEMIA CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENTS
WHAT IS POLYCYTHEMIA Polycythemia is a blood disorder in which the body produces too many blood cells as a result of a problem with the bone marrow or an increased production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). Polycythemia is defined as an increase in the hemoglobin above normal. Often patients with polycythemia are detected through an incidental finding of elevated hemoglobin or hematocrit levels. Concern that the hemoglobin level may be abnormally high is usually triggered at 170 g/L for men and 150 g/L for women. Hematrocrit levels >50% in men or >45% in women may be normal.
CAUSES OF POLYCYTHEMIA
The most common cause of Polycythemia is genetic. The patient of Polycythemia may have inherited a gene called, JAK2, the function of this gene is to keep the production of red blood cells and other blood cells under control. However, the exact cause of Polycythemia is not known. Here are some of the common conditions that may increase the chance of Polycythemia:
CONTINUE:- CAUSES OF POLYCYTHEMIA
Heart failure
Lack of blood flow in the kidneys Hypertension Sleep apnea
Pulmonary disease
Placental insufficiency during pregnancy PIH Congenital hypothyroidism Maternal smoking Post date Newborn Maternal diabetes
SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYTHEMIA The symptoms of Polycythemia can be easily treated if, detected early. No proper treatment of Polycythemia in it early stage can lead to fatal complications in future. Symptoms
of
Weakness Weight loss
Headache Swelling in joints
Dizziness Itchiness
early
Polycythemia
SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYTHEMIA Symptoms of Polycythemia if left untreated in early stage Heart attack Stroke Deep vein thrombosis
Loss of blood supply to brain Internal bleeding
DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYTHEMIA
The most common method of diagnosing Polycythemia is a blood test. A doctor may refer a blood test known as CBC (Complete Blood Count).
A complete blood test is performed by taking blood samples from the patient’s vein. The complete blood test (CBC) evaluates the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets. Bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow generally taken from the back of your hipbone is observed under medical supervision.
TREATMENTS OF POLYCYTHEMIA
Phlebotomy- In this procedure the excess blood in the patients’ body is removed from their vein, to make present blood less thick so it can flow better.
The specialised treatment of Polycythemia involves using, Hydroxyurea and interferon alpha. These medicines, suppresses the risk of blood clots by reducing the excessive production of red blood cells. However, the patient’s of thyroid and mental disorders are, advised not to take interferon alpha.
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