Smoking.can cause secondary polycythemia. So can.carbon monoxide poisoning.chronic heart or lung disease.(endocrine) disorders.exposure to high altitudes.kidney cysts.tumors of the brain,liver,or uterus.burns.diarrhea.hemoconcentration.stress
Secondary polycythemia is also called secondary erythrocytosis
Secondary polycythemia is an acquired form of a rare disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of mature red cells in the blood. Secondary polycythemia is also called secondary erythrocytosis.
Types of secondary polycythemia. In smoker's polycythemia, the number of red blood cells is elevated. Plasma levels are abnormally low. Smoking, which impairs red blood cells' ability to deliver oxygen to body tissues, can cause secondary polycythemia
A very important part of diagnosing secondary polycythemia is differentiating it from primary polycythemia. Doctors diagnose polycythemia by measuring oxygen levels in blood drawn from an artery. Imaging studies.chest x rays.electrocardiogram(EKG)
Weakness, headaches, and fatigue are usually the first symptoms of secondary polycythemia. Patients may feel lightheaded or experience shortness of breath.Visual disturbances.Pain in the chest or leg muscles is common.(tinnitus ) may also occur.
Secondary polycythemia is treated primarily by treating the underlying condition causing the disorder. Some medications may also be taken to treat symptoms. Until the underlying condition is controlled, doctors use bloodletting (phlebotomy).
Secondary polycythemia is typically developed by individuals who have conditions that cause their bodies to produce too many red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This can be seen in people with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, or conditions that affect oxygen delivery in the body, such as sleep apnea.
The prognosis of secondary polycythemia depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is identified and treated promptly, the prognosis is generally favorable. However, if left untreated, secondary polycythemia can lead to complications such as blood clots, strokes, or heart problems, which can affect long-term outcomes. Regular monitoring and management of the underlying condition are key to improving prognosis.
Types of secondary polycythemia. Known as spurious polycythemia, stress polycythemia, or Gaisbock's syndrome, relative polycythemia is characterized by normal numbers of red blood cells but decreased levels of plasma (the fluid part of the blood).
The most common cause of secondary polycythemia is chronic hypoxia, which can result from conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or living at high altitudes. This low oxygen level stimulates the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that promotes red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Other potential causes include tumors that produce erythropoietin or other factors leading to increased red blood cell production.
The condition characterized by the overproduction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) is called polycythemia. It can be classified into primary polycythemia, which is often due to a genetic mutation (such as in polycythemia vera), and secondary polycythemia, which results from increased erythropoietin levels due to factors like chronic hypoxia or tumors. This condition can lead to increased blood viscosity and a higher risk of thrombotic events.
Polycythemia causes an increase in red blood cells. Polycthemia occurs when there is an over abundance of red blood cells made by the bone marrow or chronic low oxygen levels.