What happens if you have too many cells?
These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots. Polycythemia vera is rare. It usually develops slowly, and you might have it for years without knowing. Often the condition is found during a blood test done for another reason.
Can you have too many cells?
Polycythemia refers to an increase in the number of red blood cells in the body. The extra cells cause the blood to be thicker, and this, in turn, increases the risk of other health issues, such as blood clots. Polycythemia can have different causes, each of which has its own treatment options.
What does too many red blood cells mean?
Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood.
What is the symptoms of polycythemia?
It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your ears, abdominal pain, nose bleeds and blurred or double vision. Polycythemia vera is a chronic condition with no cure, but medical care can help you manage symptoms and the risk of complications.
What happens when you have too many white blood cells?
White blood cells are an important and necessary part of your immune system. Produced in your bone marrow, they defend your body against infections and disease. But, when there are too many white blood cells, it usually means you have infection or inflammation in your body.
How can I decrease my white blood cells?
To lower your high white blood cell count, you should include the following in your diet:
- Vitamin C.
- Antioxidants.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
- Avoid foods rich in sugar, fat and salt.
What is the treatment for too many red blood cells?
Treatment may include a phlebotomy. In this treatment, some of your blood is removed to help keep the number of red blood cells down and lower the risk of blood clots. Treatment may also include a medicine that keeps the bone marrow from making too many red blood cells or to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
How do you treat too many red blood cells?
If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea.
What causes too many white cells?
Produced in your bone marrow, they defend your body against infections and disease. But, when there are too many white blood cells, it usually means you have infection or inflammation in your body. Less commonly, a high white blood cell count could indicate certain blood cancers or bone marrow disorders.
What infections cause high white blood cells?
A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:
- A bacterial or viral infection.
- An inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- An allergy.
- Leukemia or Hodgkin disease.
- Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery.