What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Polycythemia

Causes of polycythemia are primary or secondary. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in red blood cell production cause an increase in red cell count. In secondary polycythemia, factors external to red blood cell production (for example, hypoxia, sleep apnea, certain tumors) result in polycythemia.

1. What is secondary polycythemia?
2. Is secondary polycythemia serious?
3. Is Primary Polycythemia the same as polycythemia vera?
4. What are the two types of polycythemia?
5. What should I eat if I have polycythemia?
6. Can secondary polycythemia go away?
7. Does polycythemia get worse?
8. Which is a characteristic of secondary polycythemia?
9. Can someone with secondary polycythemia donate blood?
10. How can you tell if a person has polycythemia?
11. Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?
12. Is Polycythemia a disability?

What is secondary polycythemia?

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production.

Is secondary polycythemia serious?

Outlook. Secondary polycythemia (erythrocytosis) is a rare condition that causes your blood to thicken and increases the risk of stroke. It's usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease.

Is Primary Polycythemia the same as polycythemia vera?

Primary polycythemia is also called polycythemia vera (PV). PV is a rare, slow growing blood cancer that is a type of condition known as a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

What are the two types of polycythemia?

There are 2 main types: primary polycythaemia – there's a problem in the cells produced by the bone marrow that become red blood cells; the most common type is known as polycythaemia vera (PV) secondary polycythaemia – too many red blood cells are produced as the result of an underlying condition.

What should I eat if I have polycythemia?

In general, the guidelines for people with PV are the same as for everyone else: eat a low-fat diet in sensible portions with fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Drink plenty of fluids. It's important to stay well hydrated to keep your blood from thickening.

Can secondary polycythemia go away?

Remember that secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying condition, most of which are well known and have multiple treatment options available. Once the underlying cause is corrected, symptoms of secondary polycythemia usually go away.

Does polycythemia get worse?

It usually happens during the later stages of the disease. Polycythemia vera treatments help reduce your risk of symptoms and complications. But for some people, the disease still gets worse and turns into another blood cancer, despite treatment.

Which is a characteristic of secondary polycythemia?

Increased red blood cell mass increases blood viscosity and decreases tissue perfusion. With impaired circulation to the central nervous system, patients may present with headaches, lethargy, and confusion or more serious presentations, such as stroke and obtundation.

Can someone with secondary polycythemia donate blood?

As a Polycythemia Vera patient, you can not give blood to the Red Cross. You can go to blood centers where they will accept blood from a PV patient for what is referred to as “therapeutic phlebotomy”.

How can you tell if a person has polycythemia?

Symptoms

• 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.

Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia Vera: Prognosis and Life Expectancy. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

Is Polycythemia a disability?

If you suffer from polycythemia vera, which is a serious disease that can result in death, you may be unable to work. In those situations, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.