What are the signs and symptoms of essential thrombocythemia?

Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. In some cases, this disease is asymptomatic and only discovered during routine blood tests. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary greatly among individuals. Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Essential Thrombocythemia include:

• Headaches: This is one of the most common symptoms. The headaches can range from mild to severe and can occur at any time.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: These symptoms are often due to the increased number of platelets that can cause sluggish or irregular blood flow.
• Burning or tingling in the hands and feet: This is also known as erythromelalgia and is caused by the increased platelet count and sluggish blood flow.
• Redness and warmth of the hands and feet: This is another symptom of erythromelalgia.
• Bleeding or bruising easily: Despite the high platelet count, the platelets in ET are often dysfunctional which can lead to bleeding or bruising.
• Abdominal discomfort: This can be due to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) which is a common complication of ET.
• Blood clots: These can occur in arteries or veins and can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.

Seek Care For Your Essential Thrombocythemia

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. While ET is a chronic condition that can't be cured, treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options can include medications to reduce platelet count or blood thinners to prevent clots. Regular monitoring of blood counts and symptoms is also an important part of managing ET. Remember, early detection and management can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with essential thrombocythemia.

Want to Learn More About Essential Thrombocythemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Essential Thrombocythemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Essential Thrombocythemia?