Polyglobulia corresponds to the increase in the number of red blood cells, also called hematitis or erythrocytes in the blood, when it is greater than 5. 4 million blood hematitis and more than 5. 9 million blood hematitis in men.
Due to the increase in the number of red blood cells, the blood becomes more viscous and circulates more difficultly through the vessels, possibly causing symptoms such as headaches, droplets and even heart attack.
- Polyglobulia can be treated in the soil to reduce the number of red blood cells and blood viscosity.
- But also to relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as strokes and pulmonary embolisms.
Polyglobulia usually produces no symptoms, especially if the increase in red blood cell count is not significant and is only detected by a blood test, however, in some cases, the person may experience constant headaches, blurred vision, red hair, excessive fatigue. and arousal, especially after bathing, which may indicate polyglobulia.
It is important for the person to show a hematology on a regular basis and if a symptom related to polyglobulia develops, he should immediately see the doctor, since increasing the viscosity of the blood as the number of red blood cells increases the risk of stroke acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism, for example.
Diagnosis of polycythemia is made based on the result of the blood test, in addition to the increase in the number of red blood cells, the increase in hematocrit and haemoglobin values. See hematology reference values.
Based on the blood count analysis and the outcome of other problems the person has experienced, polycythemia could be classified into:
It is important to identify the cause of polyglobulia to establish the best type of treatment, avoiding the onset of other symptoms or complications.
In the case of primary polycythemia, true polycythemia, the cause of increased red blood cell production is a genetic alteration, which causes an imbalance in the red blood cell production process, which increases the increase in red blood cells. and leukocytes and platelets.
In relative polycythemia, dehydration is the main cause, as in these cases there is a loss of bodily fluids, which causes an apparent increase in the number of red blood cells. Normally, with relative polycythemia, levels of erythropoietin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating the red blood cell production process, is normal.
Secondary polyglobulia can be caused by different situations, which can lead to an increase in the number of red blood cells, for example, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, obesity, smoking, Cushing’s syndrome, liver disease, chronic myeloid leukemia in the initial phase , lymphoma, kidney disorders and tuberculosis. Also, the number of red blood cells may increase due to long-term use of corticosteroids, vitamin B12 supplements, and drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, for example.
Treatment of polycythemia should be guided by a hematologist for adults, the pediatrician for infants and children and depends on the cause of the increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood.
Treatment typically aims to reduce the number of red blood cells, dilute blood, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications. In the case of polyglobulia, for example, therapeutic phlebotomy or bleeding may be recommended, from which excess red blood cells are removed.
In addition, your doctor may initiate the use of medications, such as aspirin, to dilute your blood and reduce the risk of clots or other medications such as hydroxyurea or interferon alfa, for example, to reduce the amount of red blood cells.