Erythrocytosis
Overview
Erythrocytosis, sometimes called polycythaemia, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood.
Symptoms
Not everyone with erythrocytosis has symptoms – but many do. Make an appointment to see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of erythrocytosis. These include: headachesblurred visionred skin, particularly in the face, hands and feet – this may be more difficult to see on black or brown skintirednesshigh blood pressuredizzinessdiscomfort in the tummyconfusionbleeding problems – such asnosebleedsand bruisinggout– which can cause joint pain, stiffness and swellingitchy skin– especially after a bath or shower Some people may also need treatment for any other symptoms or complications of erythrocytosis they have, or for any underlying cause of the condition. For example, you may be given medicine to help relieve itching or manage COPD. Read more about: treatments for itchingtreating COPD
Causes
Erythrocytosis can be divided into several different types, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, an underlying cause can't be identified.
Treatment
Treatment for erythrocytosis aims to prevent symptoms and complications (such as blood clots), and treat any underlying causes. In cases of polycythaemia vera, medicine may be prescribed to slow down the production of red blood cells. Many different medicines are available and your specialist will take into account your age and health, response to venesection and red blood cell count when choosing the most appropriate one for you. Examples include: hydroxycarbamide– this medicine is taken as tablets every morning and is generally tolerated well. But you should not take it if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnantinterferon– this medicine is given by injection into the abdomen or thigh 1 to 3 times a week. You can inject it yourself at home once you've become familiar with how to do it. Interferon has the advantage that it can be taken in pregnancy, but it may cause unpleasant side effects, such ashair lossandflu-like symptoms If you have polycythaemia vera, dailylow-dose aspirintablets may be prescribed to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of serious complications. You may also be offered treatment with low-dose aspirin if you have apparent or secondary erythrocytosis and another health problem affecting your blood vessels, such ascoronary heart diseaseorcerebrovascular disease.
Prevention
If you have polycythaemia vera, dailylow-dose aspirintablets may be prescribed to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of serious complications. You may also be offered treatment with low-dose aspirin if you have apparent or secondary erythrocytosis and another health problem affecting your blood vessels, such ascoronary heart diseaseorcerebrovascular disease. Some people may also need treatment for any other symptoms or complications of erythrocytosis they have, or for any underlying cause of the condition. For example, you may be given medicine to help relieve itching or manage COPD. Read more about: treatments for itchingtreating COPD