Information From Your Health Care Provider

POLYCYTHEMIA

Basic information

Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the body. The different types are:
- Primary polycythemia (polycythemia vera) involves an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, by an abnormality of the bone marrow. It usually affects adults over age 40 (but has a range in ages of 15 to 90), and is slightly more common in men.
- Secondary polycythemia (reactive polycythemia) involves an overproduction of red blood cells caused by a disease (rather than the bone marrow).
- Relative polycythemia (sometimes called pseudo-polycythemia) involves an increase in red blood cells that is due to decreased blood plasma.

Some patients have no symptoms. It may be diagnosed when a routine blood test is done.
Fatigue, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, weight loss, or weakness.
Itching or flushed skin.
Enlarged spleen.
Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Vision changes, shortness of breath, or bone pain.

Polycythemia vera—a genetic mutation (change in the body's genes) is involved, but exact cause is unknown.
Secondary polycythemia—congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, living at high altitude, and others.
Relative polycythemia—dehydration or use of diuretic drugs.

Polycythemia cannot be prevented at present.

There is no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce complication risks. Life expectancy varies. Ongoing research may help find the cause and a cure.
Outcome of other types of polycythemia will depend on treatment of the underlying cause.

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include studies of bone marrow and blood (red blood cell count, hematocrit), x-ray of the kidneys, and others to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment steps will depend on the age of patient, disease duration, type of polycythemia, complications, disease activity, and response to treatment.
Treatment steps to keep the red blood cell range near normal and prevent clotting or hemorrhage include phlebotomy (withdrawal of excess blood) and drug therapy. Other therapies are usually recommended for high risk patients.
For secondary or relative polycythemia, proper treatment of the underlying cause is important. Drug therapy or surgery may be recommended.
Quit smoking. Find a way to stop that works for you.

Your health care provider may recommend an exercise program. Moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve blood flow.

No special diet. Drink 6 to 8 oz. of fluid every 2 hours to maintain adequate body fluid.

You or a family member has polycythemia symptoms.
Symptoms recur after treatment.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.