Polycythemia Vera

What is Polycythemia Vera?

Polycythemia Vera is a disorder in the bone marrow, which produces a higher volume of red blood cells than the normal production level. This increased production is termed as erythrocytosis. Polycythemia is a group of diseases called myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Polycythaemia vera is a rare chronic disease diagnosed in an estimated 2 to 3 people per 100,000 population. Although it can occur at any age, polycythaemia vera usually affects older people, with most patients diagnosed over the age of 55 years. Polycythaemia vera is rare in children and young adults. It occurs more commonly in males than in females.

Polycythemia Vera impacts barely hundreds of men than girls. The sickness is calculable to have an effect on about two people in step with the 100,000 in the trendy populace. It occurs most regularly in humans at 60 years recent but could have an effect on people of any age. It is very unusual for humans under 20. With most patients diagnosed over the age of 55 years. Polycythaemia vera is rare in children and young adults. It occurs more commonly in males than in females.

Causes of Polycythemia Vera

No one knows exactly what Causes of Polycythemia Vera. Evidence suggests that proteins recognized as Janus kinases, or JAKs are involved. JAK proteins send signals that affect the creation of blood cells in the bone marrow. When JAKs send too many signals they cause the bone marrow to make too several blood cells. This is called overactive signaling. Overactive JAK signaling is a key contributor to the development of PV.

The reason behind this genetic effect has not been recognized by the researchers. Therefore the only recognized cause at the moment is:

Too much production of red blood cells by the bone marrow

It’s not clear what Causes of Polycythemia Vera the mutations seen in PV. Researchers believe the mutation happens after conception meaning that your mother and father don’t have it so it’s acquired rather than inherited from a parent.

Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera

There are some keys Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera that make it easier for the health care professionals to identify this disorder before they can go onto beginning the high-end disease management routine. The following are the most common Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera. Though each individual may experience symptoms differently.
The Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera may look like other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Common Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera include:

• Red skin spots

• Vision problems

• Headache

• Bone pain

• Tiredness

• Phlebitis symptoms associated to blood clotting in veins

• Itching mostly after a warm shower

• Sweating at night or during the day

• Blurred vision or blind spots

• Painful burning or numbness of the hands or feet

• Bleeding from the gums and heavy bleeding from small cuts

• Shortness of breath

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Early feeling of fullness when eating

• Pain under the left ribs

• Problems concentrating

• Dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness

• Insomnia

• Angina

• Ringing in the ears

• Reddening of the face, or a burning feeling on the skin

Other Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera include headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears tinnitus and impaired vision. The skin may moreover become itchy pruritus or reddened erythema. Affected individuals may also have an enlarged spleen splenomegaly and an increased risk for heart disease and there is a small chance that Polycythemia Vera may development to cause leukemia cancer of the blood.