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Can Dehydration Cause Polycythemia?

Chloe Bennett • • 7 min read
Can Dehydration Cause Polycythemia?

Dehydration is a common cause of relative polycythemia. Absolute polycythemia may be primary or secondary. Primary polycythemia (polycythemia vera

polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera (PCV), polycythemia rubra vera (PRV), or erythremia, occurs when excess red blood cells are produced as a result of an abnormality of the bone marrow. Often, excess white blood cells and platelets are also produced. PCV is classified as a myeloproliferative disease.
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) is a spontaneous proliferation of RBCs in the bone marrow.

Which form of polycythemia occurs due to dehydration?

Spurious Polycythemia

This occurs due to volume contraction rather than an increase in true RBC mass. Causes include: Severe dehydration due to isolated fluid loss: potentially seen in diarrhea and severe vomiting. Gaisbock syndrome: Usually seen amongst obese, hypertensive males.

What triggers polycythemia?

Polycythemia vera occurs when a mutation in a gene causes a problem with blood cell production. Normally, your body regulates the number of each of the three types of blood cells you have — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Chloe Bennett
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Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.