Polycythemia vera – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.

Polycythemia vera is rare. It usually develops slowly, and you might have it for years without knowing. Often the condition is found during a blood test done for another reason.

Without treatment, polycythemia vera can be life-threatening. But proper medical care can help ease signs, symptoms and complications of this disease.

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Symptoms

Many people with polycythemia vera don’t have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision.

More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include:

• Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs
• A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
• Unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
• Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of polycythemia vera.

Causes

Polycythemia vera occurs when a mutation in a gene causes a problem with blood cell production. Normally, your body regulates the number of each of the three types of blood cells you have — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. But in polycythemia vera, your bone marrow makes too many of some of these blood cells.

The cause of the gene mutation in polycythemia vera is unknown, but it’s generally not inherited from your parents.

Risk factors

Polycythemia vera can occur at any age, but it’s more common in adults between 50 and 75. Men are more likely to get polycythemia vera, but women tend to get the disease at younger ages.

Complications

Possible complications of polycythemia vera include:

• Blood clots. Increased blood thickness and decreased blood flow, as well as abnormalities in your platelets, raise your risk of blood clots. Blood clots can cause a stroke, a heart attack, or a blockage in an artery in your lungs or a vein deep within a leg muscle or in the abdomen.
• Enlarged spleen. Your spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. The increased number of blood cells caused by polycythemia vera makes your spleen work harder than normal, which causes it to enlarge.
• Problems due to high levels of red blood cells. Too many red blood cells can lead to a number of other complications, including open sores on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus (peptic ulcers) and inflammation in your joints (gout).
• Other blood disorders. In rare cases, polycythemia vera can lead to other blood diseases, including a progressive disorder in which bone marrow is replaced with scar tissue, a condition in which stem cells don’t mature or function properly, or cancer of the blood and bone marrow (acute leukemia).

Polycythemia vera – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.

Polycythemia vera is rare. It usually develops slowly, and you might have it for years without knowing. Often the condition is found during a blood test done for another reason.

Without treatment, polycythemia vera can be life-threatening. But proper medical care can help ease signs, symptoms and complications of this disease.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Many people with polycythemia vera don’t have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision.

More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include:

• Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs
• A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
• Unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
• Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of polycythemia vera.

Causes

Polycythemia vera occurs when a mutation in a gene causes a problem with blood cell production. Normally, your body regulates the number of each of the three types of blood cells you have — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. But in polycythemia vera, your bone marrow makes too many of some of these blood cells.

The cause of the gene mutation in polycythemia vera is unknown, but it’s generally not inherited from your parents.

Risk factors

Polycythemia vera can occur at any age, but it’s more common in adults between 50 and 75. Men are more likely to get polycythemia vera, but women tend to get the disease at younger ages.

Complications

Possible complications of polycythemia vera include:

• Blood clots. Increased blood thickness and decreased blood flow, as well as abnormalities in your platelets, raise your risk of blood clots. Blood clots can cause a stroke, a heart attack, or a blockage in an artery in your lungs or a vein deep within a leg muscle or in the abdomen.
• Enlarged spleen. Your spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. The increased number of blood cells caused by polycythemia vera makes your spleen work harder than normal, which causes it to enlarge.
• Problems due to high levels of red blood cells. Too many red blood cells can lead to a number of other complications, including open sores on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus (peptic ulcers) and inflammation in your joints (gout).
• Other blood disorders. In rare cases, polycythemia vera can lead to other blood diseases, including a progressive disorder in which bone marrow is replaced with scar tissue, a condition in which stem cells don’t mature or function properly, or cancer of the blood and bone marrow (acute leukemia).

The level of erythrocytes in the blood is increased – what problems can this indicate

• Health

The diagnostician explained what disorders and diseases this may be associated with, and why, in order to bring the tests back to normal, you need to walk more in the fresh air and drink enough water.

July 5, 2022

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The results of the analyzes are deciphered by the doctor, he can draw the right conclusions about possible problems in your body based on all the indicators. But you always want to understand in advance how serious the situation is. Take, for example, erythrocytes. What do their high scores mean? And what do they influence?

– Red blood cells are oxygen-carrying cells, – explained Olga Malinovskaya, doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics, head of the medical department of the KDL laboratory network. “In perfect condition, they are of medium size, sufficiently iron-rich, with the correct shape of a biconcave disc.

Usually, all erythrocyte parameters of interest to the doctor are indicated in the complete blood count. The most indicative is the number of red blood cells in 1 liter of blood. For example, in anemia, the amount is reduced along with the amount of hemoglobin. Another parameter is the average erythrocyte volume – MCV.

– It decreases with iron deficiency anemia, increases with anemia associated with a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid, doctor Malinovskaya explains the changes in the parameters.

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Red blood cells deliver oxygen, which we inhale to all organs and tissues of the body, and take away carbon dioxide, which we then exhale. Red blood cells live in the body for about four months, then they are destroyed.

— The hematopoietic system maintains a constant number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, — said Olga Malinovskaya. — More often patients encounter with a decrease in the number of red blood cells – anemia, but there are diseases and conditions when the number of red blood cells increases.

Dehydration

This is the most common cause of slightly elevated red blood cells.

– If it’s hot outside, you came to donate blood on an empty stomach and haven’t drank water since the evening, then with a high probability you will get slightly elevated hemoglobin, erythrocyte and hematocrit values, the doctor explained.

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Difficult external conditions

Doctors observe an increase in erythrocytes in the blood of residents of high-mountainous regions and regions of the far north. And this is a normal story, people can have red blood cells and hemoglobin slightly above normal due to the adaptation of body systems to harsh external conditions.

Polycythemia

The condition is due to the fact that the cells of the bone marrow produce an excessive amount of red blood cells. Also, other cells will be increased in the analysis – platelets and leukocytes. Blood becomes thicker , viscous, there is a risk of blood clots that can clog blood vessels and disrupt blood supply.

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Increasing the amount of erythropoietin

This substance is synthesized in the kidneys and stimulates the production of red blood cells by bone marrow cells.

– The body increases the production of erythropoietin when it considers that the body lives in conditions of lack of oxygen in order to provide all organs and tissues with more oxygen, – explained diagnostician Olga Malinovskaya.

Frequently elevated red blood cells can be in heavy smokers , people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , with heart defects and those who live in unfavorable environmental conditions.

Kidney disease

Elevated red blood cells are common in people with kidney disease.

– The fact is that they have a violation of the blood supply – narrowing of the renal arteries, tumors or cysts that compress the vascular pedicle of the kidney, – Malinovskaya clarified.

Text author: Alena Bezmenova

causes of increase and decrease in values ​​

Content

• 1 Norm of erythrocytes in the blood by age: causes and consequences of decrease and increase in levels
  • 1.1 What are erythrocytes?
  • 1.2 The norm of erythrocytes in the blood of an adult
  • 1.3 The norm of erythrocytes in the blood of children
  • 1.4 Causes of an increase in the level of erythrocytes in the blood
  • 1. 5 Reasons for a decrease in the level of erythrocytes in the blood
  • 1.6 Symptoms of high red blood cells
  • 1.7 Symptoms of low red blood cells
  • 1.8 Diagnosis of high red blood cells
  • 1.9 Treatment of high red blood cells
    • 1.9.1 Basic principles of treatment
    • 1.9.2 Diet for high red blood cell count
    • 1.9.3 Regular medical monitoring
  • 1.10 Treatment of low red blood cell count
    • 1.10.1 Causes of low red blood cell count
    • 1.10.2 Treatment of low red blood cells
  • 1.11 Prevention of red blood cell changes
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 What are the norms cal values ​​of erythrocytes in infants?
      • 1.12.0.2 What can cause a low red blood cell level?
      • 1.12.0.3 What processes in the body lead to an increase in the number of red blood cells?
      • 1.12.0.4 Can diet affect the level of red blood cells?
      • 1.12.0.5 Why do athletes have an increased number of red blood cells?
      • 1. 12.0.6 What complications can occur with prolonged high red blood cells?
  • 1.13 Related videos:

Find out what red blood cell values ​​are considered normal, how they change with age, and what low and high values ​​can mean. Useful information for the health of your blood.

Blood not only nourishes the body, but also transports all the necessary elements. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport oxygen. They are the main component of the blood and their normal content is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. However, red blood cell count can change for various reasons, including the age of the individual.

Erythrocyte norms have their own characteristics for different age groups. In children, for example, the number of red blood cells depends on age, while in adults it may vary depending on gender. The need to know the normal level of red blood cells in the blood by age is important for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with a violation of the content of blood cells.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of high and low red blood cell counts and provide information on how you can maintain a normal level.

What are red blood cells?

Red blood cells are blood cells that carry out the function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

RBCs are oval or round discs without a nucleus. They contain hemoglobin, a protein compound with iron, which is responsible for the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Typically, erythrocytes have a size of about 7-8 microns, and their number in 1 µl of blood is estimated by Kuhn’s method – erythrocyte index (EI), which can be normal, increased or decreased depending on the patient’s age and other factors.

The norm of red blood cells in the blood of an adult

Red blood cells are red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. The normal number of red blood cells in an adult’s blood is 4. 0 to 5.5 million cells/µl in women and 4.5 to 6.0 million cells/µl in men.

A low red blood cell count can lead to anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. The reasons for a decrease in the level of red blood cells can be associated with a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, as well as chronic diseases, including pathologies of the kidneys and thyroid gland.

Elevated red blood cells may indicate polycythemia, leading to nodular disease, tumors and vascular complications. An increase in the level of red blood cells may be associated with smoking, hypoxia and erythroprotein.

To confirm a change in the level of red blood cells in the blood, you must consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests, such as blood tests for hemoglobin, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.

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The norm of blood red blood cells in children

Erythrocytes – these are red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body . In children, as in adults, the rate of red blood cells in the blood can vary depending on age and gender. In healthy children, normal values ​​of red blood cells are usually higher than in adults.

Here are some examples of normal RBC values ​​in children:

• Babies under 2 weeks old: 4.1-6.1 million/µl
• Babies 2 weeks to 1 month: 4.3-6.0 million/µl
• Children 1 month to 2 months: 4.0-5.5 million/mcL
• Children 2 to 6 months: 3.6-5.5 million/mcL
• Children 6 months to 1 year: 3.5- 5.5 ppm/µl
• Children 1 to 5 years old: 3.5-5.0 ppm/µl
• Children 5 to 12 years old: 4.0-5.0 ppm/µl
• Children 12 to 16 years: 4.5-5.5 million/mcL

An increased number of red blood cells in children may indicate conditions such as polycythemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. On the other hand, a reduced red blood cell count can mean anemia, which can be caused by causes such as lack of iron in the body or genetic diseases such as thrombocytopenia.

It is important to understand that red blood cell counts in children may vary depending on the laboratory and measurement methods used. Therefore, if your child is found to be abnormal, discuss the test results with your doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of an increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood

Red blood cells are the main components of the blood that carry oxygen to the body. An excessive number of red blood cells in the blood is called polycythemia, which may indicate certain medical conditions.

1. Hypoxia – oxygen starvation of the body – can lead to an increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood, as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
2. Physical stress, including mountain running or smoking, can increase the number of red blood cells.
3. Hereditary factors, including a genetic positive reaction to altitude, may cause elevated red blood cells.
4. Familiarity with Altai cuisine draws people to iron-rich fish, meat and shellfish, so elevated iron levels in the blood can also lead to an increase in red blood cells.

There are several other conditions that can cause high red blood cells and it is important to get the right treatment to prevent complications.

Causes of low red blood cell count

A low red blood cell level can be caused by several causes, including:

• Blood loss . Prolonged bleeding can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood.
• Iron deficiency . Lack of iron in the body can lead to the development of anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Bone marrow pathologies . Disorders in the bone marrow can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, since this is the site of the formation of new blood cells.
• Vitamin deficiency . A lack of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, can lead to low levels of red blood cells.
• Genetic disorders . Hereditary diseases such as thrombocytopenia and Diamond-Blackford syndrome can lead to low levels of red blood cells.

With a low level of red blood cells, symptoms may occur, such as weakness, fatigue, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes. It is necessary to consult a doctor to find out the cause and prescribe treatment.

Symptoms of high red blood cells

A high level of red blood cells, or polycythemia, can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications. One of the most common symptoms is headache, which usually occurs in the morning and may worsen with exercise or low oxygen pressure.

Other common symptoms are itching, stinging or burning of the skin, especially in water or heat, and red spots on the skin. Peripheral arteries can become constricted, which can lead to pain in the legs and arms, as well as discoloration of the skin and coldness of the extremities.

Elevated red blood cells can also lead to decreased appetite, nervousness and irritability, as well as a feeling of thirst and dry mouth. In some cases, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as visual or hearing impairment, may develop.

It is important to note that some people with polycythemia may not experience any symptoms, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular examinations and monitor changes in the level of red blood cells in the blood.

Symptoms of low red blood cells

A decrease in the number of red blood cells, or anemia, can present with various symptoms, depending on the degree and cause of the deficiency.

One of the most common symptoms is constant fatigue and weakness that occurs with any physical activity or even at rest.

Paleness of the skin, mucous membranes and nails is also a common symptom, caused by a lack of oxygen transported by red blood cells.

More severe cases of anemia may also present with dyspnea, palpitations, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

In addition, a lack of red blood cells can lead to changes in taste, visual distortion and even depressive states.

It is important to note that the symptoms of anemia can vary in degree and depend on many factors, including the cause, age and health of the patient.

Diagnosis of the level of erythrocytes in the blood

To determine the level of erythrocytes in the blood, it is necessary to pass a general blood test. The results of the analysis can be expressed in different units of measurement, depending on the laboratory where the analysis is performed.

It is important to remember that red blood cell levels can be elevated or reduced not only due to age, but also for other reasons, such as chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or long-term medication. Therefore, if the level of erythrocytes differs from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor to find out the cause and prescribe treatment.

If the red blood cell count is low, additional diagnostics may be ordered, such as testing for iron deficiency anemia or aplastic anemia. In some cases, a bone marrow exam may be ordered to determine the cause of the low red blood cell count.

• Iron deficiency anemia is a disease in which the body does not get enough iron. This causes a violation of the formation of hemoglobin and, as a result, a decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood.
• Aplastic anemia is a disease in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood-forming cells. This can be caused by both genetic factors and exposure to certain drugs or radiation.

In the case of elevated red blood cells, additional diagnostics can be performed, such as examination for obesity, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. In some cases, artificial circulation may be prescribed to reduce the number of red blood cells in the blood. 912 / l Hematocrit analysis %

Treatment of elevated red blood cells in the blood

Basic treatment principles

blood tests may indicate the presence of serious diseases, such as acute or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , bronchial asthma, erythremia and others. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease and reducing the level of red blood cells in the blood.

With erythremia, treatment depends on the degree of development of the disease. In the initial stages, treatment with drugs that reduce the level of red blood cells in the blood is indicated. In more severe cases, plasmapheresis or blood transfusion may be required.

Respiratory diseases require complex treatment, including drug therapy, daily regimen, diet and maintaining an optimal level of oxygen in the blood.

Erythrocyte Diet

In case of elevated red blood cells, it is recommended to avoid foods that increase the level of iron in the blood: red meat, fried foods, chicken eggs, pomegranates and tomatoes. It is recommended to increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, dried apricots, apricots and nuts, which help improve metabolic processes in the body and reduce the level of red blood cells.

Regular medical check-up

Regular medical check-up is an important part of the treatment of high red blood cells. With an increase in the level of erythrocytes in the blood, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and conduct regular studies in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust the treatment course depending on changes in the level of erythrocytes.

Treatment for low red blood cells

Causes of low red blood cells

Low red blood cells can be caused by various causes, such as: impaired blood formation, impaired absorption of nutrients, blood loss, chronic diseases, genetic disorders.

Treatment for low red blood cells

Treatment for low red blood cells depends on the cause of the condition. To increase the number of red blood cells, preparations containing iron, vitamins and minerals are prescribed. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be required, in which the patient is transfused with donor blood.

To prevent a low level of red blood cells in the blood, take care of your health and proper nutrition. Regular consumption of foods rich in iron, vitamins and minerals will help maintain a normal level of red blood cells.

• Taking preparations containing iron, vitamins and minerals
• Blood transfusion
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition this state.

  Foods rich in iron: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals:

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  meat	chickpeas	beets	buckwheat
  fruit	vegetables	nuts	red pepper

  Prevention changes in the level of erythrocytes in the blood

  One of the main methods for preventing an increase in the level of erythrocytes in the blood is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to monitor nutrition, drink enough water, lead an active lifestyle and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

  It is also important to have regular medical examinations and blood tests, especially for people with an increased risk of developing erythrocytosis – these are people with diseases of the cardiovascular system, miners and high-altitude workers, people with kidney diseases and hormonal disorders.

  In addition, with a low level of red blood cells, it is recommended to increase the intake of food containing iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. It can be meat, fish, eggs, green vegetables, fruits and nuts. It is also necessary to avoid significant blood loss and avoid stressful situations that can cause a change in the level of red blood cells in the blood.

  • Summary: maintain a healthy lifestyle, get regular medical check-ups and blood tests, eat foods rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, avoid significant blood loss and stressful situations.

  Q&A:

  What are normal RBC counts for babies?

  In the blood of newborns and infants, the normal number of red blood cells is 3. 9 to 5.9 million per microliter.

  What can lead to a decrease in the level of erythrocytes in the blood?

  A low red blood cell count can be caused by various causes such as iron deficiency, chronic disease, blood loss, anemia, and genetic disorders.

  What processes in the body lead to an increase in the number of red blood cells?

  Elevated red blood cell counts can be caused by both physiological processes, such as high-altitude hypoxia, and pathological conditions, such as polycythemia, hypoxia, kidney disease, leukemia, and other diseases.

  Can diet affect the level of red blood cells?

  Yes, diet can affect the level of red blood cells. Insufficient intake of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid can lead to anemia and a low red blood cell count.

  Why do athletes have an increased number of red blood cells?

  In athletes, an increased number of red blood cells may be caused by the body’s adaptation to high stress, as well as an increase in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.