Polycythemia Vera: Symptoms
A disease in which there are too many red blood cells in the bone marrow and blood, causing the blood to thicken. The number of white blood cells and platelets may also increase.
Part of: Polycythemia Vera
About Polycythemia Vera Symptoms
Polycythemia vera (PV) develops slowly. The disease may not cause signs or symptoms for years.
When signs and symptoms are present, they’re the result of the thick blood that occurs with PV. This thickness slows the flow of oxygen-rich blood to all parts of your body. Without enough oxygen, many parts of your body won’t work normally.
The signs and symptoms of PV include:
Headaches, dizziness, and weakness Shortness of breath and problems breathing while lying down Feelings of pressure or fullness on the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen (an organ in the abdomen) Double or blurred vision and blind spots Itching all over (especially after a warm bath), reddened face, and a burning feeling on your skin (especially your hands and feet) Bleeding from your gums and heavy bleeding from small cuts Unexplained weight loss Fatigue (tiredness) Excessive sweating Very painful swelling…