What is polycythemia?

Polycythemia refers specifically to the overproduction of red blood cells in the body. This condition leads to an increased red blood cell mass, which can result from various factors including chronic hypoxia, certain bone marrow disorders, or the physiological response to living at high altitudes. This elevated red blood cell count can cause increased blood viscosity, which may lead to complications such as hypertension and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Understanding polycythemia is important in the context of respiratory health, as chronic conditions that lead to low oxygen levels, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, often trigger the body to produce more red blood cells in an attempt to compensate for insufficient oxygenation. This illustrates the body's complex mechanisms for maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to tissues despite underlying respiratory challenges.