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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Polycythemia Vera Due To Reduced Oxygen Intake?

I've had sleep apnea for approximately 8 years now. I also have polycythemia vera which started around the same time. I was constantly having to get plebotomies every six months when I wasn't wearing my cpap all of the time. But for the last few years now, I've been real diligent about wearing it and I haven't had to get any phlebotomies. I'm now thinking that my polycythemia vera was because I was not getting enough oxygen? Am I on the right track? I would appreciate any help you could offer. Thanks.
Fri, 9 Jan 2015
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for contacting HCM
I understand your concern, I am Dr Arun Tank, Infectious Disease Specialist answering your query.

Yes you are on right track.

This can happen with you for low oxygen tension. As apnea occurs during sleep time there is adaptation by mean of increase RBC which leads you towards the poly cythemia.

I advice you to use the cpap during sleep other wise the polycythemia will increase.

I advice you to take the phlebotomies done and once the hemoglobin level is under control you can start using he cpap.

You can ask for further queries here on bit.ly/DrArun.
Thank you,
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious Disease specialist
We wish you a best health at health care magic.
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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Polycythemia Vera Due To Reduced Oxygen Intake?

Hello, Thank you for contacting HCM I understand your concern, I am Dr Arun Tank, Infectious Disease Specialist answering your query. Yes you are on right track. This can happen with you for low oxygen tension. As apnea occurs during sleep time there is adaptation by mean of increase RBC which leads you towards the poly cythemia. I advice you to use the cpap during sleep other wise the polycythemia will increase. I advice you to take the phlebotomies done and once the hemoglobin level is under control you can start using he cpap. You can ask for further queries here on bit.ly/DrArun. Thank you, Dr Arun Tank Infectious Disease specialist We wish you a best health at health care magic.