Polycythemia Vera and related queries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hemoglobin E disease?

Hemoglobin E (HbE) is an extremely common structural hemoglobin variant that occurs at high frequencies throughout many Asian countries. It is a beta-hemoglobin variant, which is produced at a slightly reduced rate and hence has the phenotype of a mild form of beta thalassemia.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

In which part of the blood hemoglobin is present?

About 70 percent of your body's iron is found in the red blood cells of your blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How dangerous is polycythemia?

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Additionally, it can also cause the enlargement of the liver and spleen. Hence, this condition should be treated as soon as possible to prevent fatal compications.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How do I increase my hemoglobin levels?

One way to increase hemoglobin content in the blood is to increase your iron intake. You can do this by eating foods rich in iron. These include spinach, liver and organ meat, cabbage, green beans, and tofu. Folate is a vitamin that your body uses to create haem and is present in spinach, rice, and meat. This way you can increase your hemoglobin levels quickly without medications.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How can I treat spurious polycythemia?

The most common treatment for polycythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It's the same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Are RBC of 5.52 and HGB of 16.7 considered as high?

Yes, it is considered slightly high. Do not neglect.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

What are elevated hemoglobin and hemocrit?

Both the hemoglobin and the hematocrit are based on whole blood and are therefore dependent on plasma volume. If a patient is severely dehydrated, the hemoglobin and hematocrit will appear higher than if the patient had sufficient water. However, if the patient is fluid overloaded, they will be lower than their actual level.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Is high hemoglobin level dangerous? Why?

Yes, constant high levels of hemoglobin occurs due to lack of oxygen in the blood. It is dangerous because it can cause blood clots.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How does polycythemia vera lead to thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia could be due to an increased platelet aggregation and adhesion caused by hyperviscosity. The marrow can no longer produces blood cells resulting in low levels of healthy, functioning red blood cells which causes anemia, platelets (thrombocytopenia) and white blood cells (leukopenia).

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How do I to treat high hemoglobin?

One can check with the doctor if excess red blood cells need to be removed from the body. Otherwise change in diet can also help in reducing high amounts of hemoglobin such as eating nuts and legumes daily.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Can a person have surgery when their hemoglobin is high?

No, it is advisable to lower hemoglobin levels if the hemoglobin is too high. This specially because you are suceptible to blood clots when your hemoglobin levels are very high.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Why does polycythemia vera cause itchiness?

Research has shown that people with Polycythemia tend to have higher levels of mast cells in their blood. Mast cells are involved in the immune system's allergic response. They release histamines, which cause allergic symptoms, including itching skin

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Why does cyanosis occur in polycythemia?

When the red blood cell count reaches a critical number, the flowability of the blood decreases leading to restricted blood circulation. This causes a blue coloration of the skin (cyanosis).

Last updated on 19 May 2023

My haemoglobin is 18.4, is it dangerous?

Yes, it is on the higher side and you may be suceptible to bruising and blood clots.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

Does low hemoglobin cause hypertension?

Yes, both low or high hemoglobin count are associated with cardiovascular risks and hypertension.

Last updated on 19 May 2023

How can polycythemia vera result in sideroblastic anaemia?

Polycythemia vera result in sideroblastic anemia because the marrow can no longer produce blood cells resulting in low levels of healthy functioning red blood cells causing anemia, platelets (thrombocytopenia) and white blood cells (leukopenia).

Last updated on 17 May 2023

What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?

The early signs of polycythemia vera are lack of energy, dizziness, blurry vision, itchiness in the skin and constant fatigue.

Last updated on 17 May 2023

How to know if I have polycythemia?

If your doctor suspects that you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend collecting a sample of your bone marrow through a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

Last updated on 17 May 2023

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