What is the best treatment for polycythemia?

What is the best treatment for polycythemia?

The most common treatment for polychythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It’s the same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells.

How often should phlebotomy be done with polycythemia?

People with a new PV diagnosis typically undergo phlebotomy once a week until their red blood cell level becomes closer to normal. After that, they may have phlebotomy every three months to keep levels normal.

Can I donate blood with polycythemia?

Polycythemia vera is a clonal progressive myeloproliferative disorder with risk of progression to leukemia. Hence, blood from such patients should not be used for transfusion purposes to avoid any potential risk to the recipient. It is included in the permanent deferral criteria for blood donation.

What is the life expectancy of someone with polycythemia vera?

According to an article in Blood Cancer Journal, the median survival time for people with PV is 14 years after diagnosis. The authors take this survival time from a study in which half of the participants were still alive 14 years after diagnosis. Younger people tend to live for longer with the disease.

Is Polycythemia a death sentence?

There is currently no cure for PV, but the disease is not necessarily a death sentence. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the median life expectancy after diagnosis is 20 years.

Is polycythemia a death sentence?

Can you live a long life with polycythemia?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

What is the main cause of death in polycythemia?

Venous and arterial thrombosis has been reported in 15-60% of patients, depending on the control of their disease. It is the major cause of death in 10-40% of patients. All of the following have been noted: Pulmonary embolism.

How can I reduce polycythemia naturally?

In addition to your medical plan, use these self-care tips to help you feel better:

1. Exercise daily. Staying active will help keep your blood flowing and prevent clots.
2. Take cool baths to prevent skin irritation.
3. Keep warm.
4. Drink a lot of water.
5. Try not to hurt your feet.
6. Treat itchy skin.
7. Shield your skin from the sun.

Which fruit is good for polycythemia?

Salicylic Acid may be beneficial in Reducing Thrombosis in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms such as Polycythemia Vera. Hence, taking foods rich in natural salicylates including fruits such as apricots, vegetables such as broccoli, spices such as thyme and rosemary may be beneficial in reducing thrombosis.