ERYTHROPOIETIN

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of polycythemia or high red blood cell count include:

• Itchiness, particularly after a warm bath
• Numbness, burning, tingling, or weakness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
• Quickly getting full after a meal
• The pain in the upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
• Nosebleed or bleeding gums
• Swelling of joint
• Shortness of breath

On the other hand, the signs and symptoms of anemia differ depending on the cause. If it is a chronic disease, it can cover them up, causing the anemia to be detected only after diagnosing a primary infection.

Signs and symptoms of anemia, if they are present, are:

• Weariness
• Lethargy or loss of energy
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Unusual heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pain in the chest, belly, bones, and joints
• The coldness of hands and feet
• Headache
• Easily being distracted
• Insomnia

DIAGNOSIS

For polycythemia, one must immediately consult a physician upon recognition of symptoms. This disease can be diagnosed through blood tests to check the blood’s red blood cell count and the amount of space the red blood cells take upon the blood, also known as the hematocrit level. High accumulation of red blood cells may mean that you have polycythemia.

Since this condition is sometimes only found out during a regular blood test for other purposes, the physician may recommend you see a hematologist confirm the diagnosis through various trials and determine the underlying cause. Such tests may include another blood test for the changed JAK2 gene and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen to assess the kidneys.

To diagnose anemia, the physician may ask about the patient’s medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, and administer various tests such as:

• CBC or complete blood count to determine the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood
• A test to identify the size and shape of the red blood cells

Upon coming up with the anemia diagnosis, the doctor may suggest conducting additional tests like studying a sample of the patient’s bone marrow.

TREATMENT

Treatment for polycythemia are as follow:

• Venesection

It is a process of removing blood to reduce the number of red blood cells.

• Prescriptions

Some medicines may be prescribed to slow down red blood cells’ production and prevent blood clots.

While for anemia, the treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. Some diagnoses and treatments may include supplements and medications for iron or vitamin deficiency anemia, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and spleen removal for other types of anemia.