7 Common Signs of Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a condition in which the body produces an excessive amount of red blood cells, which thickens the blood and increases the risk of clots. If left untreated, polycythemia vera can lead to health conditions like leukemia and myelofibrosis. To avoid such outcomes, it is necessary to recognize the early symptoms of the condition and get a prompt diagnosis. Further, the condition can be managed with timely treatment.
Itching
One can experience a perpetual itching sensation when they first develop polycythemia vera. Many tend not to report this problem to their doctors out of shame, despite the irritation becoming unbearable. While healthcare professionals are still trying to determine exactly how the condition results in itchy skin, there are two probable reasons. First, the production of an excessive amount of red blood cells leads to the release of a large number of histamine and cytokines (two prominent and powerful white blood cell types). Both these types are known to trigger skin swelling, itching, and inflammation. The second reason could be that any kind of cancer typically results in excessive night sweats, which could also contribute to itchy skin.
Headaches and dizziness
Polycythemia vera affects the circulatory system and its components. One of the effects of the dramatic increase in red blood cells is a disruption in microcirculation in vessels going to and from the brain. This is a direct cause of headaches, and poor blood circulation can also lead to dizziness. As one may know, blood carries oxygen and other nutrients to the brain and other parts of the body. If there is an obstruction in the circulatory pathways, or if the blood viscosity is higher than desirable, the brain does not get enough nutrients. This results in a frequent sensation of losing consciousness in those with polycythemia vera.
Night sweats
As discussed earlier, cytokines and histamines trigger inflammation and itching in the skin. This inflammation is the main cause of profuse sweating in those with this health condition. The frequent night sweats one experiences with the disease also make them dehydrated. This further contributes to one feeling tired and lightheaded. One should not overlook profuse sweating, as it is a major sign of polycythemia vera and many other types of cancer. So, the best course of action here is to visit a healthcare expert or, specifically, an oncologist and get examined to understand what is causing excessive sweating.
Nosebleeds
Polycythemia vera signs and symptoms are triggered by the overproduction of red blood cells. With so many of these cells, the blood increases both in volume and viscosity, which causes frequent bruising, bleeding, and clotting. It is not uncommon for people with the condition to have unexplained nosebleeds and cuts and wounds on various parts of the body brought about by minor falls or accidents.
Unexplained bloating
Gastrointestinal issues are also common polycythemia vera signs. One could experience symptoms like peptic ulcers in the stomach, small intestine, and esophagus. Such ulcers cause internal bleeding into the lower regions of the digestive system. Further, indigestion and a loss of appetite are early symptoms of polycythemia vera. Another such sign is abdominal bloating. Healthcare experts have found that bloating is mainly caused by the enlargement of the spleen triggered by polycythemia vera. The spleen is responsible for blood filtration, so when there are inordinate amounts of blood in the body, it accumulates in the organ, enlarging it. So, one may experience pain, discomfort, and a sense of heaviness in the upper left side of the abdomen. An enlarged spleen could be a symptom of a wide array of health conditions. So, one should get it examined to figure out the precise cause.
Perpetual fatigue
Critical organs such as the lungs and brain need a steady supply of oxygen and blood to work efficiently. When the blood thickens and does not travel to such parts as quickly, people will feel breathless and tired more frequently than they ideally should. This tiredness and breathlessness also happen when one does the simplest of tasks, such as climbing some stairs, doing a few squats, or running a few meters on a stretch. Like spleen enlargement, fatigue is also a common symptom of several diseases, so one may have to consult a doctor to figure out the exact cause.
Blurry vision
When the blood contains an abnormally high amount of cells and platelets, they obstruct the blood vessels. This disrupts the supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood, affecting the regular functioning of organs. As a result, when affected by polycythemia vera, one may suddenly experience blurry vision or complete blindness. Apart from blurry vision and temporary loss of vision, those with this condition also tend to suffer from other problems, such as blind spots and double vision.
If one experiences one or more such symptoms, they should consult a doctor and seek treatment.
