9. Itchy Skin
Itchy skin can be caused by high levels of mast cells. These cells are responsible for triggering allergic reactions since they play a central role in allergic and inflammatory reactions.
These cells release histamine, a substance that is crucial to the development of allergic diseases. Since patients suffering from polycythemia have high levels of mast cells, they are most likely to experience itching.
8. Bruising
People with polycythemia are at a higher risk of bruising. This is because their blood cells are thicker than normal. This can lead to clotting and damage to organs and tissue. Bruising is often a sign of a clot.
A bruise can be painless and disappear on its own. In some cases, it can become larger and cause more complications.
7. Tinnitus And Hearing Loss
Tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear are also symptoms of polycythemia. They may happen all of a sudden. This is because the Labyrinthine Artery, which brings blood to the inner ear, is blocked by occlusion or a blood clot.
Tinnitus is one of the neurologic symptoms of polycythemia. It is caused by thrombosis and hemorrhage.
6. Excessive Sweating
Polycythemia can make the body produce too much of a certain kind of protein called cytokines that cause inflammation. Too much of this particular protein causes the body to sweat excessively.
Cytokines are signaling molecules that the immune system uses to respond to threats. When a healthy body fights an infection, the body responds by releasing cytokines, which activate cell pathways and allow communication between cells.
These molecules signal the immune system to begin working to eliminate the foreign invader. However, too many of these signaling molecules can cause problems such as excessive sweating.
5. Tingling Sensation
A tingling sensation is usually experienced by the patient with polycythemia. It is usually present in the hands and feet. The tingling sensation is caused by the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels of the toes and fingers.
Polycythemia thickens the blood, causing it to clot. Since the blood vessels are tiny, the blood clots can cause blockages. These blockages can damage the nerves, causing the body to experience a tingling sensation.
4. Weight Loss
Weight loss in polycythemia is caused by the inability of the spleen to filter blood. Since polycythemia causes the production of excess blood, the spleen has a hard time filtering the excess cells.
This can cause the spleen to become enlarged, giving a feeling of fullness. The patient ends up losing appetite and weight eventually.
3. Joint Swelling
Joint swelling is another symptom of polycythemia. This is most apparent in the large toe. Joint swelling can be caused by the high levels of bone marrow cell replication,
It can also be caused by the inflammation of the connective tissue that surrounds the bone. Osteosclerosis, which is the stiffening of the bone, can also cause joint swelling in patients with polycythemia.
2. Profuse Bleeding
Patients with polycythemia produce an excessive amount of red blood cells, which can lead to profuse bleeding even in minor cuts. The thickening of the blood slows down blood flow, preventing the organs and the tissues to receive an adequate amount of oxygen.
This also slows down the healing process, causing profuse bleeding in the patient.
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