29/11/2025
Polycythemia 💉
Polycythemia refers to an increase in the number of red blood cells in the body. The extra cells cause the blood to be thicker, and this, in turn, increases the risk of other health issues, such as blood clots.
Polycythemia can have different causes, each of which has its own treatment options. The treatment of polycythemia involves treating any underlying conditions, if possible, and finding ways to bring blood cell levels down.
There are two types of polycythemia, which have different causes
Primary polycythemia 💉
Primary polycythemia is also called polycythemia vera (PV).
PV is a rare, slow growing blood cancer that is a type of condition known as a myeloproliferative neoplasm. PV causes the bone marrow to create excess precursor blood cells that develop and function abnormally, leading to the production of too many red blood cells.
A person with PV may also have increased numbers of other blood cells, such as white blood cells or platelets.
Secondary polycythemia 💉
Secondary polycythemia can occur if the increase in red blood cells is not due to the myeloproliferative disease of PV.
The overproduction of blood cells in secondary polycythemia is limited to the red blood cells.
Causes of secondary polycythemia include 💉
being at a very high altitude
obstructive sleep apnea
certain types of tumor
heart or lung disease that causes a low oxygen level in the body
Risk factors 💉
Some people may be more at risk than others of primary polycythemia. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences note that most cases of PV appear as a person ages, usually around the age of 60 years. They also note that it is more common in men than in women.
PV is not necessarily hereditary, and most people with the disease do not have a family history of PV. However, there appears to be a connection to a certain genetic mutation.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society note that almost all individuals with PV have a mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene. However, the precise role that it plays in the condition is still unclear.
Other gene mutations, such as that of the TET2 gene, may also have an association with this condition. Most of the time, these genes are not hereditary, but in some rare cases, they may pass from a parent to their child in the s***m or egg.
Anyone with a family history of PV may still wish to see a doctor for an evaluation
Symptoms 💉
It is not uncommon for a person to have polycythemia and be unaware of it. Symptoms tend to build very slowly over time.
Having too many red blood cells thickens the blood, which makes healthy blood flow more difficult. It can also increase a person’s risk of blood clots. This risk is especially high if a person with PV has an excess of both red blood cells and platelets.
A doctor may discover the condition during a routine blood examination or when following up on another condition.
The symptoms of PV may become more apparent over time. 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
bleeding or bruising
a burning sensation in the feet
abdominal fullness
frequent nosebleeds
bleeding gums
Without treatment, people with PV may also be more likely to experience complications, such as:
enlarged spleen
blood clots
angina
stroke
peptic ulcers
heart disease
gout
other blood disorders, such as myelofibrosis or leukemia
Diagnosis 💉
If doctors suspect that a person has polycythemia, they will order several tests to help identify the underlying issue.
Blood tests 💉
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count, will reveal any increase in red blood cells in the bloodstream, as well as any abnormal levels of platelets and white blood cells. If PV seems possible, a doctor will order more specific blood tests.
Bone marrow biopsy 💉
If necessary, the doctor may also want to remove some bone marrow on which to perform tests in a lab.
A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a small sample of the bone marrow with a needle for examination under a microscope.
Genetic tests 💉
Although genetic causes of PV are more rare, doctors may also want to analyze the person’s bone marrow for genetic mutations that have links to PV.
They may also recommend examining cells in the blood for JAK2 mutation.
Dr. Shaimaa Sami Albanna 💞
