Polycythemia is a medical condition in which there is an abnormally high number of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and they also help to remove carbon dioxide from the body.
There are two main types of polycythemia: primary and secondary. Primary polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is a rare blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, as well as too many white blood cells and platelets. Secondary polycythemia, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, or heart disease. In both types of polycythemia, the increased number of red blood cells can lead to an increased risk of blood clots, which can cause serious health problems such as stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms of polycythemia can include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Treatment for polycythemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In cases of primary polycythemia, treatment may involve medications to reduce the number of red blood cells or to prevent blood clots. In some cases, phlebotomy (removing blood from the body) may be necessary to reduce the number of red blood cells. In cases of secondary polycythemia, treatment may involve addressing the underlying medical condition. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the underlying cause of polycythemia.
