Polycythemia is a blood condition that occurs when too many red blood cells are found in the body. There are three different forms of polycythemia: polycythemia vera, secondary polycythemia and stress polycythemia. Polycythemia vera affects the creation and proliferation of red and white blood cells as well as platelets, important for clotting.Secondary polycythemia is the result of other medical diseases that create a malfunction in the production of blood cells.Stress polycythemia is a condition that describes a decreased amount of blood plasma in the body.In all three types, various body organs are affected, including the bone marrow, spleen and lymph glands. Any variety of the condition may affect men or women over 50, though the condition is more commonly found in men. The cause of polycythemia are currently unknown.
Instructions
1. Watch for signs of unexplained fatigue or drowsiness. These are typically indications that the body is not functioning at optimal levels. These symptoms will not disappear with what seems to be adequate periods of rest.
2. Pay attention to any headaches or dizziness that don't go away. Headaches or dizziness may or may not be accompanied with the above mentioned fatigue or drowsiness.
3. Look at your skin. Does it appear flushed, as if you have been sunburned? Does it itch for no apparent reason? This may be a sign that your body's immune system is trying to react to abnormal blood levels.
4. Do you bleed easily? Many individuals suffering from any form of polycythemia often bleed easily, even with a minor scratch or cut.
5. Watch for any signs of tenderness or pain in the upper left portion of the abdomen. In some cases, individuals suffering from polycythemia suffer from enlarged spleens as the body reacts to the condition.
Tags: blood cells, bleed easily, condition that, fatigue drowsiness, individuals suffering