A very uncommon blood condition called polycythemia vera (PV) starts in the bone marrow. The soft interior of your bones is called bone marrow. It is in charge of producing fresh red blood cells. Nevertheless, PV increases your risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and other issues by making too many red blood cells and making your blood thicker and slower.
The illness is a slow-moving sickness without a known cure. But, your doctor can control your symptoms and any risk of consequences with prompt and appropriate medical care. The majority of PV sufferers are not diagnosed until they are 60 years old.
The diagnosis frequently occurs by accident because medical professionals may be looking into other health issues. Men are more impacted than women.
Primary polycythemia, polycythemia rubra vera, erythema, and Osler-Vaquez illness are further names for polycythemia vera.
Some people do not experience any signs or symptoms. However, over time some may experience vague symptoms, such as:
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Ringing in the ears
Blurred or doubled vision
Increased blood pressure
However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms also become a little more severe, including:
Itchiness, particularly after a warm bath or shower
Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
A sense of fullness soon after eating a meal and bloating or pain in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
Unusual and unexpected bleeding, including nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Painful swelling in one joint, mainly in the big toe
Breathing problems when lying down
Excessive sweating, particularly at night
Unexplained weight loss
Gout
Easy bruising
Concentration issues
Flushed face
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera disease.
