What is the polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a disease that causes thick blood because the body makes too many red blood cells. It is most commonly found by doctors in men over 60 years of age.
What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
- Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Shortness of breath and trouble breathing while lying down.
- Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, and blind spots.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Night sweats.
- Face and becomes red and warm (flushed)
What causes death in polycythemia vera?
Venous and arterial thrombosis has been reported in 15-60% of patients, depending on the control of their disease. It is the major cause of death in 10-40% of patients. All of the following have been noted: Pulmonary embolism.
Is polycythemia vera a rare disease?
Polycythemia vera is a rare, chronic disorder involving the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow (myeloproliferation).
Which is a late symptom of polycythemia vera?
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.
Does polycythemia vera shorten your life?
People with PV have a shorter-than-average life expectancy. Some of the possible complications of the disease can be life threatening. Getting treatment can help reduce the risk of certain complications from PV, including blood clots.
Can polycythemia be cured?
There’s no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms.
Is polycythemia vera a death sentence?
There is currently no cure for PV, but the disease is not necessarily a death sentence. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the median life expectancy after diagnosis is 20 years.