In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What exactly is polycythemia? What is this condition? How is polycythemia treated? Can the disease be completely cured? Why does polycythemia develop? The question is answered by the drug. Katarzyna Darecka.
What disease is polycythemia?
Good morning, I am a 47-year-old man diagnosed with polycystia. It all started with frequent headaches and dizziness, tinnitus and visual disturbances. With these symptoms I went to my GP, who spread his hands and gave me a referral to a neurologist. After a few weeks (three), I finally managed to get to it. During this time, my symptoms worsened and I developed a strange bluish red tinge on my feet and hands.
The neurologist referred me to a blood count, among other things, which turned out to be too large the level of red platelets. For this reason, I was referred to a hematologist who, after completing all the tests, diagnosed polycythemia, gave me medication and ordered me to come for a check-up in a month. It irritated me that the doctor did not explain to me exactly what polycythemia is.
That is why I am asking for a detailed explanation of what he is ill with. There is a lot of information on the internet, but I would like to obtain reliable knowledge. What is polycythemia? How exactly to treat it? Is polycystone curable or will I struggle with it for the rest of my life? What are the causes of polycythemia? Please let me know. Greetings, Marek.
The doctor explains what polycythemia is
Polycythemia is really excess red blood cells, i.e. erythrocytes in the bloodstream, which increases the concentration of blood, which causes more frequent occurrence of hypercoagulable conditions, which can cause the formation of blood clots, which can be very dangerous – because they can cause, for example, a stroke or pulmonary embolism.
Polycythemia is a fairly broad concept and does not indicate a specific disease entity, it can be primary (such as polycythemia vera, or polycythemia vera) or secondary to diseases with chronic hypoxia, such as obstructive pulmonary disease, altitude sickness, kidney cancer or tumors liver or as a result of increased use of anabolic steroids.
If you suffer from polycythemia vera, it is a type of cancer of the red blood cell system leading to an overproduction of red blood cells, which causes increased blood clotting and a greater risk of thromboembolism. It is diagnosed after a bone marrow biopsy, and on the basis of this examination, treatment against cancer can be initiated.
You should see your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as haemoptysis, palpitations, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain radiating to the arm, arm or jaw, sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, sudden speech problems, sudden vision problems.
Anyone at risk of developing a thromboembolism should follow these rules:
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time, e.g. when flying in an airplane or traveling by train. It’s worth getting up every now and then and walking. During long car trips, make stops to be able to walk.
- Play sports, lead an active lifestyle.
- Drink plenty of water, a minimum of 2 liters a day – dehydration can promote blood clots.
- Change your current lifestyle, if it was unhealthy – if you are overweight and obese, lose weight, maintain blood pressure within the normal range, stop smoking, exercise regularly.
If the doctor himself does not explain our disease to us, we have every right to ask and ask for an explanation.
– Lek. Katarzyna Darecka
The editorial board recommends:
- What does the headache on the right show?
- Does contrast tomography have side effects?
- What do frequent nose bleeds show?
For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.