What is polyglobulia?
If an increased number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is found in a blood sample, this is known as polyglobulia.
In most cases, this is caused by a lack of oxygen. The cause may be external (for example, a prolonged stay in the “thin” air at high altitudes). Often, however, it is an “internal” lack of oxygen caused by a heart or lung disease, for example.
Whether caused internally or externally, the lack of oxygen stimulates the body to produce the hormone erythropoietin. This ensures that more erythrocytes are formed in the bone marrow. When the oxygen deficiency is corrected, the number of red blood cells also decreases again.
In other cases, a so-called myeloproliferative disease is the reason for an increased number of erythrocytes. However, the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) is then also too high. The increased formation of cells (proliferation) is triggered by a gene mutation. As the blood becomes more viscous due to the excess blood cells, there is a risk of blood clots, which may then block vessels (thrombosis, embolism).
In summary, the most important causes of polyglobulia are
- heavy smoking
- heart failure
- lung diseases
- Prolonged exposure to high altitude
- myeloproliferative diseases (diseases with pathologically increased cell formation in the bone marrow), e.g. chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythaemia vera
Relative polyglobulia – an apparent polyglobulia caused by a reduction in blood plasma – must be distinguished from these forms of absolute polyglobulia. It is caused by a lack of fluids, for example as a result of severe diarrhea, shock or burns.
Symptoms of polyglobulia
Typical symptoms of polyglobulia are
- severe facial flushing
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- Itching all over the body (which often intensifies on contact with water)
- Increased tendency to clot-related vascular occlusions (thromboses and embolisms)
Polyglobulia – what to do?
If polyglobulia is caused by an “external” lack of oxygen, it usually disappears as soon as there is enough oxygen in the air we breathe. If diseases are responsible for the increased erythrocyte count, these must be treated professionally.
