About this topic
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood problem in which the body makes too many red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the parts of the body. ‚
Polycythemia vera makes blood thicker. When this happens, it may lead to a few serious health problems like: ‚
- Blood clots that can happen anywhere. They can cause heart attacks or strokes.
- Blood cancers
- Other cancers
Polycythemia vera is a serious health problem that needs to be treated right away. ‚
What are the causes?
A gene is a part of the body that sends the code from your parents to you. A gene called JAK2 helps to make red blood cells. When a change happens in this gene, the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. These changes can also increase the number of white blood cells and platelets. The reason the gene JAK2 changes is not known. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Age 60 years and older
- Men may be a bit more likely to get this
- History of polycythemia vera in the family
What are the main signs?
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy, weak, or tired
- Increased sweating
- Itchy skin after warm bath
- Red coloring of the skin, mostly in the face
- Burning feeling in the hands or feet
- Blood clots
- Trouble breathing
- Painful swelling in the big toe
- Trouble seeing clearly
- Bleeding gums
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Your doctor may send you to a blood specialist called a hematologist.
The doctor may look for: ‚
- Large spleen
- Red skin on the face
- Large liver
- Signs you have been scratching a lot
- Signs of a certain type of arthritis
The doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ A sample tissue of bone marrow is taken and examined.
- Genetic test ¢ ˆ ’ This test will look for changes in the JAK2 gene
- Oxygen saturation ¢ ˆ ’ This test checks the oxygen level in the blood.
- Nuclear lab test for blood volume
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Polycythemia vera does not have any cure. Care focuses on lowering the number of red blood cells. Treatment includes drugs and removing blood. ‚
- Radiation therapy may be used to stop the bone marrow from making so many red blood cells. This will help reduce thickening of the blood.
- Chemo may be used to reduce the amount of red blood cells in the body.
- The doctor may suggest a procedure called phlebotomy. It is done to remove some blood in your body. It will reduce the amount of red blood cells in the blood and make it thinner. A needle will be put in your vein, often in the arm. It is connected in a sterile bag that will collect the blood. This procedure is similar to blood donation. It may be done a few times a year to keep your number of red blood cells normal.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Reduce the number of red blood cells
- Reduce thickness of the blood
- Prevent blood clotting
- Treat itching. Itching is very hard to get rid of.
Will there be any other care needed?
Your doctor will be watching for other problems during regular visits. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no known way to prevent this condition. But, you may prevent some of its problems by doing these things: ‚
- Perform moderate physical activities. This will help proper blood circulation in the body and prevent blood clotting.
- Use cool water and mild soap when taking a bath.
- Avoid scratching your skin. Use moisturizing products on your skin.
- Avoid very hot and very cold temperatures. Use protective clothing during cold weather like gloves, socks, scarf, and jacket. Use long pants and long-sleeved shirts during hot weather.
- Avoid sauna baths, tanning beds, and heat lamps.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Blood in your stool
- Belly pain
- Itching that your cannot control
- Swelling of the big toe
- Feeling very tired
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/polycythemia-vera.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/poly/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/236/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚