Polycythemia
Introduction to Polycythemia
The term ‘polycythemia’is derived from two words, poly (many) and cythemia (cells). Strictly speaking, it denotes an increase in the number of all the three formed elements in the blood that is, the red blood cells (RBCs), the white blood cells (WBCs) and the platelets. However, in practice it is used to describe an increase in the number RBCs only.1,2
Types of Polycythemia
Types of Polycythemia
Polycythemia may either be true polycythemia (also called erythremia) or a relative polycythemia (also called erythrocytosis).
Cause of Polycythemia
Cause of Polycythmia
The basic abnormality in this disease lies in the bone marrow where most of the blood cells are produced. This disorder leads to an excessive production of the RBCs, which are then pumped into the circulation.
Signs and Symptoms of Polycythemia
Signs and symptoms of Polycythmia
Polycythemia vera is primarily a disease of middle and old age groups. Most people affected by the disease are between 40 and 70 years old. Males are affected slightly more often than females.
Diagnosis of Polycythemia
Diagnosis of Polycythmia
The diagnosis of polycythemia is based on symptoms noticed by the individual physical examination conducted by the doctor and certain laboratory tests. The typical signs elicited by the doctor include blood-shot eyes, a ruddy and spleen felt by pressing on the abdomen.
Treatment of Polycythemia
Treatment of Polycythmia
The treatment of polycythemia vera consists of one of the following modalities. Most frequently, it involves a procedure known as phlebotomy wherein about 1 pint of blood is let out of the body every other day till the packed cell volume reaches a normal level.
Related articles:
Polycythemia in children
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 07, 2011