Polyglobulia is a medical term used to describe a condition of having too many red blood cells in the bloodstream. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as [pol-ee-gloh-byoo-lee-uh]. The primary stress is on the third syllable, and it is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The prefix "poly" means many, and "glob" refers to a sphere or ball, while "-ia" denotes a medical condition. Hence, the word signifies a surplus of spherical blood cells in human circulation.
Polyglobulia is a medical term derived from the Greek words "poly-" meaning "many" and "globus" meaning "sphere" or "globe." It refers to a rare condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) circulating in the bloodstream. This condition is also known as polycythemia or erythrocytosis.
In a normal healthy individual, the production of red blood cells is tightly regulated by the body to maintain an appropriate balance. Polyglobulia occurs when there is an overproduction of red blood cells due to various underlying factors. This can be a result of primary causes, such as genetic mutations affecting the production and regulation of red blood cells, or secondary causes, which may include chronic hypoxia (lack of oxygen), kidney disorders, certain forms of cancer, or the use of certain drugs.
The increased number of red blood cells in polyglobulia may cause a thickening of the blood, potentially leading to complications like blood clots, which can obstruct blood flow to vital organs, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
The symptoms of polyglobulia can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and an enlarged spleen.
Management of polyglobulia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve therapies such as phlebotomy (removal of blood), medications to reduce the production of red blood cells, or treating the primary condition responsible for the condition. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential to ensure appropriate management and prevent complications.
Hyperglobulia, polycythemia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word polyglobulia is derived from two Greek roots: poly meaning many and globus meaning ball or sphere. These roots are combined with the suffix -ia, which is used to form medical terms denoting a condition or disease. Therefore, polyglobulia can be understood to mean an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells.