Erythrocytosis

Erythrocytosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Erythrocytosis, also known as polycythemia, is a medical term that describes an increased number of red blood cells in a person's blood. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, as well as carrying carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for removal from the body.

Erythrocytosis can be either significant or insignificant. In some cases it may be temporary, while in other cases it may be permanent and require treatment.

Causes of erythrocytosis

Erythrocytosis can be caused by many factors. One of the most common causes is hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, which can result from lung or heart disease. Another common cause is dysfunction of the kidneys, which regulate the number of red blood cells in the blood. Erythrocytosis may also be associated with impaired synthesis of hormones such as erythropoietin, which regulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Symptoms of erythrocytosis

Symptoms of erythrocytosis may vary depending on the degree of increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood. Patients often complain of headaches, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, itchy skin and cancer. In some cases, hemorrhages, thrombosis and heart attacks are possible.

Treatment of erythrocytosis

Treatment of erythrocytosis depends on its cause and severity. If hypoxia is the cause, treatment may include improving lung and heart function. If the cause is kidney dysfunction, treatment may include dialysis or kidney transplantation.

In some cases, phlebotomy, a procedure that removes excess blood from the body, may be necessary. Medicines that affect the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow may also be used.

In conclusion, erythrocytosis is a serious condition that can lead to various complications. If you suspect erythrocytosis, be sure to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment of the disease will help avoid serious consequences.

One of the causes of erythrocytosis may be self-medication of iron deficiency anemia, taken without a doctor’s prescription with medications (such as Sorbifer, Totema, etc.). This can be especially dangerous in conditions such as: * hypoxia in newborns in the presence of heart disease

When an examination by a neonatologist reveals no complaints or pathological manifestations, it is recommended to refrain from using iron-containing drugs, since there is no specific clinical picture in the early stages of development. If poisoning is suspected, intensive treatment of intoxication and parallel monitoring of Hb levels with determination of the volume of red blood cells in capillary blood should be provided. In case of exceeding