What is PV disease itching?

What is PV disease itching?

Itchy skin is a common symptom of some other blood cancers. Research has shown that people with PV tend to have higher levels of mast cells in their blood. Mast cells are involved in the immune system’s allergic response. They release histamines, which cause allergic symptoms, including itching skin.

How do I stop polycythemia vera itching?

Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) can help with severe itching. Talk with your doctor before taking any medications to make sure they won’t interfere with your treatment. Headaches and vision problems; burning, redness or swelling of the hands and feet.

Does secondary polycythemia cause itching?

Itching (pruritus) Pain in the chest or leg muscles. Ruddy complexion. Confusion.

Does polycythemia cause skin problems?

PV can cause skin issues that can become visible and even debilitating if a person does not receive treatment. According to the NHLBI and the LLS, PV can have the following effects on the skin: excessive itchiness over large parts of the body that often worsens on taking a warm shower or bath.

What are the symptoms of PV?

Symptoms

• Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower.
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs.
• A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen.
• Unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums.

What is the most common cause of secondary polycythemia?

Secondary polycythemia most often develops as a response to chronic hypoxemia, which triggers increased production of erythropoietin by the kidneys. The most common causes of secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How long can you live with secondary polycythemia?

It’s usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease. If the underlying condition isn’t serious, most people with secondary polycythemia can expect a normal lifespan.

Can PV symptoms come and go?

When they do show up, polycythemia vera symptoms can include: Headaches. Double vision. Dark or blind spots in your vision that come and go.

How do you feel with polycythemia vera?

Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower. Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs.

What is the difference between polycythemia and polycythemia vera?

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.