Does polycythemia occur due to smoking?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was recently diagnosed with polycythemia due to an increased red cell count of 5.28x10^6 per microliter of blood, HCT of 0.466, and hemoglobin of 161 g/l. I stopped smoking two weeks ago. Six months ago, when I started to smoke, I smoked only four cigarettes per day.
- Would the high red cell count be a case of secondary polycythemia, or would it be due to smoking?
- If so, would my red cell count decrease after a month of smoking?
- Also, in this situation, would I need to take a low-dose aspirin before a long-haul flight (12 hours)?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
You have polycythemia. It can be primary or secondary polycythemia. Primary polycythemia is a cancer of bone marrow, which means a myeloproliferative neoplasm. However, your total WBC count and platelet count are within range. So the chance of primary polycythemia is less. You have an excessive smoking history. Thus, smoking can lead to secondary polycythemia, which is a pure benign condition. Smoking can decrease the oxygen level in the blood, and so compensatorily, more red blood cells are produced.
You have to stop smoking to cure your secondary polycythemia. If you stop smoking, then gradually your CBC (complete blood count) will be normal. Drink lots of water, like two to three liters per day, to help with your polycythemia. You may not need to use aspirin, in my opinion. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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