Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia means an increase in the number of blood cells. This may be a result of conditions which reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood - such as chronic bronchitis in a heavy smoker - or it may be a true disorder of the bone marrow - called polycythaemia vera. The thickened blood is more likely to clot, so treatment by repeatedly removing blood (called venesection) and a chemical called hydroxy urea is necessary.
 
 
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