US Medical Term · conditions
Polycythemia
Policitemia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Polycythemia |
| Spanish (Español) | Policitemia |
| Chinese (中文) | 紅血球增多症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 다혈증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đa hồng cầu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Polycythemia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Policitemia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคเลือดข้น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 多血症 |
What it means
Polycythemia is a condition in which the body produces too many red blood cells, making the blood thicker than normal. Polycythemia vera is the primary form, caused by a genetic mutation in the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia can result from chronic low oxygen levels (such as in sleep apnea or living at high altitude) or other underlying conditions. Thickened blood increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, itching after bathing, and red skin. Treatment includes phlebotomy (removing blood), aspirin, and medications to reduce blood cell production.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My blood test showed too many red blood cells and my doctor says I may have polycythemia.
Mi análisis de sangre mostró demasiados glóbulos rojos y mi médico dice que podría tener policitemia.
What is the difference between polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre la policitemia vera y la policitemia secundaria?
How often will I need phlebotomy to control my red blood cell count?
¿Con qué frecuencia necesitaré flebotomías para controlar mi recuento de glóbulos rojos?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
D45 Polycythemia veraRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026