What are the causes and symptoms of secondary polycythemia?
Smoking, which impairs red blood cells’ ability to deliver oxygen to body tissues, can cause secondary polycythemia. So can the following conditions: • carbon monoxide poisoning • chronic heart or lung disease • hormonal (endocrine) disorders • exposure to high altitudes • kidney cysts • tumors of the brain, liver, or uterus. Causes of spurious polycythemia include: • burns • diarrhea • hemoconcentration (higher-than-normal concentration of cells and solids in the blood, usually due to becoming dehydrated or taking diuretics) • stress Weakness, headaches, and fatigue are usually the first symptoms of secondary polycythemia. Patients may feel lightheaded or experience shortness of breath. Visual disturbances associated with this disorder include distorted vision, blind spots, and flashes of light. The gums and small cuts are likely to bleed, and the hands and feet may burn. Extensive itching often occurs after taking a bath or shower. Pain in the chest or leg muscles is common. The face
