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What Causes An Increase In The Concentration Of Hemoglobin?
Question: Today I was told I had too much blood. I need a phlebotomy something or other. I was told to quit smoking, because I am at high risk for a stroke. I am taking an aspirin, per Dr.s order. Can you tell me the medical term for this?
Brief Answer:
polycythemia
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Polycythemia. This is likely the medical term that you are referring to.
Polycythemia refers to a condition where there is an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin due to increase in red blood cells count.
The blood is more viscous/thicker
In some persons there is a secondary cause/reason for the polycythemia to develop eg COPD, living at high altitudes,some heart diseases, excess exposure to carbon monoxide.
There can be increased risk of stroke if smoking is continued.
Aspirin, as your doctor mentioned, is recommended.
There are also medications specific for this condition eg ruxolitinib
Other meds are hydroxyurea or interferon-alpha
Phlebtomy (blood letting) is also very important.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
polycythemia
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Polycythemia. This is likely the medical term that you are referring to.
Polycythemia refers to a condition where there is an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin due to increase in red blood cells count.
The blood is more viscous/thicker
In some persons there is a secondary cause/reason for the polycythemia to develop eg COPD, living at high altitudes,some heart diseases, excess exposure to carbon monoxide.
There can be increased risk of stroke if smoking is continued.
Aspirin, as your doctor mentioned, is recommended.
There are also medications specific for this condition eg ruxolitinib
Other meds are hydroxyurea or interferon-alpha
Phlebtomy (blood letting) is also very important.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If I smoke at least 2 packs now, would e cigarettes be a good alternative?
Brief Answer:
if plan to stop them eventually,then this is ok
Detailed Answer:
HI
If your aim is to also eventually stop the e cigs as well then yes, they can be used to help wean off the normal cigarettes.
E cigs still contain nicotine and other chemicals ,this means that they would still affect stroke risk.
Some persons use then to help wean ,there are also other meds that can be used as well - sprays, patches ,inhaler, gum
If it is hard to stop , you may need to enlist the help of your doctor, family and friends
Please feel free to ask any other questions
if plan to stop them eventually,then this is ok
Detailed Answer:
HI
If your aim is to also eventually stop the e cigs as well then yes, they can be used to help wean off the normal cigarettes.
E cigs still contain nicotine and other chemicals ,this means that they would still affect stroke risk.
Some persons use then to help wean ,there are also other meds that can be used as well - sprays, patches ,inhaler, gum
If it is hard to stop , you may need to enlist the help of your doctor, family and friends
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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