What is polycythemia Vera?
Polycythemia Vera is rare. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.
It usually develops slowly, and you might have it for years without knowing.
Often the condition is found during a blood test done for another reason.
Without treatment, polycythemia Vera can be life-threatening.
But proper medical care can help ease signs, symptoms and complications of this disease.
Symptoms
Many people with polycythemia Vera don't have noticeable signs or symptoms.
Some people might develop vague symptoms. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia Vera include:
- Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs
- A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
- Unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
- Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down
Causes
Polycythemia Vera occurs when a mutation in a gene causes a problem with blood cell production.
The cause of the gene mutation in polycythemia Vera is unknown, but it's generally not inherited from your parents.
Polycythemia Vera can occur at any age, but it's more common in adults between 50 and 75.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycythemia-vera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355850
