How Do You Spell ERYTHROCYTHEMIA?

1. Erythrocythemia, also known as polycythemia or erythrocytosis, refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) circulating in the bloodstream. This condition can occur as a result of various underlying factors and may lead to an increase in blood viscosity.

   In individuals with erythrocythemia, the excessive production of red blood cells can occur due to primary causes, such as genetic mutations affecting bone marrow cells responsible for red blood cell formation, or secondary causes, which may include conditions like chronic hypoxia, lung diseases, kidney tumors, or certain blood disorders.

   Symptoms of erythrocythemia may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, visual disturbances, enlarged spleen or liver, and reddened complexion. The increased thickness of the blood due to an excess of red blood cells can lead to an increased risk of blood clots, which may cause complications like strokes or heart attacks.

   Diagnosis of erythrocythemia typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) test to measure the number of red blood cells. Additional tests, including genetic analysis, bone marrow biopsy, or assessment of levels of erythropoietin (a hormone involved in red blood cell production), may be performed to determine the underlying cause.

   Treatment approaches for erythrocythemia aim to reduce the number of red blood cells and minimize the risk of complications. This can involve therapeutic phlebotomy (bloodletting) to remove excess blood, medication to inhibit bone marrow cell production, or addressing the underlying conditions contributing to erythrocythemia.

   Regular monitoring of blood cell counts and medical follow-ups are essential to manage and control erythrocythemia effectively.

2. Abnormal increase in the number of red blood-cells; polycythemia, erythremia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ERYTHROCYTHEMIA

The word "erythrocythemia" is derived from two root words: "erythrocyte" and "emia".

- "Erythrocyte" comes from the Greek word "erythros", meaning "red", and "kytos", meaning "cell". It refers to the red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

- "Emia" comes from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood". It is a suffix used to indicate a condition or presence of a substance in the blood.

Therefore, "erythrocythemia" is a term formed by combining "erythrocyte" and "emia" to describe a medical condition characterized by an elevated number of red blood cells in the bloodstream.