Primary Polycythemia Vera

Primary Polycythemia Vera is a slowly progressing blood cancer that usually affects the bone marrow making it to produce too many RBCs and sometimes platelets and WBCs also.

It is known by many different names such as Erythremia, Primary Polycythemia, Vaquez disease, Osler – Vaquez disease and Polycythemia Rubra Vera.

The major concern with this type of neoplasm (adversely functioning cellular structrures) is the thickening of blood which is the cause of major complications caused by this disease.

The disease may not always be symptomatic and if at all, minor symptoms like erythema, itching, pruritis and bluish discoloration of the skin may occur. The diagnosis may only be incidental when the patient goes for a routine check up.

Complications of the disease occur gradually and it may even turn into more severe types of cancers if left untreated.

Thickening of blood is one of the major problems faced by the patient which may result in formation of blood clots.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Frequent skin itching especially after bath or shower.
2. Headache
3. Dizziness
4. Excessive perspiration
5. Gout or gouty arthritis
6. Burning in hands and feet.
7. Difficulty in breathing especially while lying down.
8. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
9. Bloating of the abdomen
10. Enlarged spleen or splenomegaly.

CAUSES OF POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

It is thought to be an acquired genetic disorder which affects the genes responsible for the formation of blood cells in bone marrow. This is the reason why the body in such patients loses control over the formation of red blood cells in most of them and other blood cells like platelets and WBC s in a few.

The cause of the development of this mutation is still not clear and researches are still on to unfold the real reason behind the development of this condition.

Most patients of Polycythemia Vera have this type of mutation in their genetic makeup which is considered to be the major factors for the development if this disease.

RISK

Usually, elderly people are at maximum risk of development of this disease but, there is no such clear theory to prove that. PCV can affect any person at any point of time in their lifetime.

COMPLICATIONS

There are not one but many complications that PCV patients may face depending upon the severity of symptoms and their overall health.

Blood clots are one of the major issues that may lead to problems in any part of the body causing pulmonary embolism in lungs, brain stroke, deep vein thrombosis etc.

Skin is always hypersensitive in these patients and there may be a variety of symptoms occurring all because of it.

Ulcerations are also common in such patients which may affect the inner lining of stomach, intestines etc.

Joints may get inflamed in one or more places and gouty arthritis may also commonly occur.

LABORATORY FINDINGS

These usually include a raised hematocrit and haemoglobin levels. Platelet count and WBC count is also increased. Erythropoietin levels are usually found to be low in such patients as the RBC count is exceptionally high.

AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicines and is responsible for guiding the world to follow a natural approach towards leading a healthy life and fighting deadly diseases.

If we look at a patient of Polycythemia Vera from an ayurvedic point of view, his pitta body energy is exceptionally high as we know that blood and skin are predominantly governed by this bio – energy.

Secondly, in case of multi – system involvement we can also suggest a considerable degree of vata involvement which is causing joint pains, spleen enlargement etc.

To help such a patient it becomes essential to cleanse his rakta (blood) and meda (marrow) dhatu and balance the exorbitantly severe pitta body energy as much as possible.

ROLE OF NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS IN POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

Role of nutrition and nutritional supplements is often undermined when it comes to dealing with deadly diseases. Patients of Polycythemia Vera can easily benefit with the use of good quality natural supplements which can help improve upon general symptoms and quality of life.

PLANET AYURVEDA'S NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY PITTA ENERGY

PCV Care Pack

1. Neem Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Neem Capsules contain standardized extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem). They are purely herbal and can prove to be very beneficial when dealing with deranged pitta.

Pack: 2 Bottles

Dosage: 2 capsules twice (Morning-Evening) daily with plain water, after meal.

2. Cap. Pitta Balance

Capsule Pitta balance from the house of Planet Ayurveda's is another cooling natural supplement that helps to pacify the fire and heat of pitta body energy helping in controlling most of the aggravated signs and symptoms of pitta.

Pack: 1 Bottle

Dosage: 1 capsule twice (Morning-Evening) daily with plain water, after meal.

3. Kachnaar Guggul

This is a classical ayurvedic formulation that can help deal with soft tissue overgrowths in the body. It is absolutely safe and natural so there are no side effects experienced by the patient.

Pack: 1 Bottle

Dosage: 2 tablets twice (Morning-Evening) daily with plain water, after meal.

4. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin is one of the most popular natural supplements in use today. Planet Ayurveda's Curcumin capsule contains standardized extracts of Curcumin obtained from pure and natural Turmeric.

Pack: 1 Bottle

Dosage:1 capsule twice (Morning-Evening) daily with plain water, after meal.

5. Navkarshik Churna

This is another preparation from Planet Ayurveda which can help support healthy skin and joint conditions. It is a natural blend of many herbs which can help people with any kind of skin and joint problems in a very healthy way.

Pack: 1 Jar

Dosage: 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with plain water.