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Secondary polycythemia

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Secondary polycythemia refers to a rare condition which is characterized by overproduction of red blood cells. Excess red blood cells cause the thickening of the blood which increases the risk for stroke. Causes for secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, smoking, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some medications such as diuretics and testosterone.

18 people with Secondary polycythemia are on Alike.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, weakness, and anorexia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include blood tests and other diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, CT scan or ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For symptom alleviation, phlebotomy may be suggested.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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