What is the most common cause of secondary polycythemia?

What is the most common cause of secondary polycythemia?

Secondary polycythemia most often develops as a response to chronic hypoxemia, which triggers increased production of erythropoietin by the kidneys. The most common causes of secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How do you test for secondary polycythemia?

Measuring oxygen levels in the blood with a blood test known as arterial blood gas (ABG) can help doctors formulate a diagnose of secondary polycythemia. Other blood tests include measurement of erythropoietin and red blood cell mass levels.

Is secondary polycythemia a disability?

If you suffer from polycythemia vera, which is a serious disease that can result in death, you may be unable to work. In those situations, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Is secondary polycythemia serious?

Secondary polycythemia (erythrocytosis) is a rare condition that causes your blood to thicken and increases the risk of stroke. It’s usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease.

Does polycythemia get worse?

It causes your marrow to make too many red blood cells so your blood is too thick. You may be more likely to have clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. This disease gets worse slowly, usually over many years. It can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment, but the right care can help you live a long life.

Is secondary polycythemia fatal?

It’s usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease. If the underlying condition isn’t serious, most people with secondary polycythemia can expect a normal lifespan.

Is secondary polycythemia rare?

Secondary polycythemia, also known as secondary erythrocytosis or secondary erythrocythemia, is a rare condition in which your body produces an excess amount of red blood cells. This overproduction of red blood cells thickens your blood.

How fast does polycythemia progress?

One study shows that anywhere from 2% to 14% of the time, polycythemia vera changes into AML within 10 years. In this disease, stem cells in your bone marrow turn into unhealthy blood cells, including white blood cells called myeloblasts. These cells grow out of control, crowding out healthy blood cells.

How do I treat secondary polycythemia?

Treatment for secondary polycythemia should control or eliminate the underlying condition. Symptom relief may include medications such as antihistamines to relieve itching, or aspirin to soothe pain and burning associated with the disorder.

What complications can happen with polycythemia vera?

6 Complications of Polycythemia Vera 1. Stroke and heart attack . About 30% of the people who have polycythemia vera develop blood clots in their veins and… 2. Enlarged spleen . Many people who have PV will develop an enlarged spleen. Your spleen filters your blood, so when you… 3. Itching and

Is ear ringing a symptom of polycythemia vera?

This condition may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Some people with polycythemia vera experience headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), impaired vision, or itchy skin. Affected individuals frequently have reddened skin because of the extra red blood cells.

Can smoking cause polycythemia vera?

Both polycythemia vera and cigarette smoking cause erythrocytosis, which is a hypercoagulable state. At the same time, smoking is also associated with plasma volume contraction, which leads to hyperviscosity.