Gaisböck syndrome
Gaisböck syndrome is a medical condition characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytosis) in the blood. It is also known as stress polycythemia or pseudo-polycythemia. The syndrome was first described by the Austrian physician Felix Gaisböck in 1905.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of Gaisböck syndrome are often non-specific and can vary widely among patients. They may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). Some patients may also experience a reddish complexion (plethora) due to the increased number of red blood cells.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of Gaisböck syndrome is unknown. However, it is often associated with conditions that lead to an increase in blood volume or viscosity, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also more common in middle-aged men who smoke and have a history of stress or anxiety.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of Gaisböck syndrome is typically based on a complete blood count (CBC) that shows an increase in the number of red blood cells. Other tests may include a bone marrow biopsy to rule out other causes of erythrocytosis, and a measurement of the patient's blood volume to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for Gaisböck syndrome is usually aimed at reducing the symptoms and preventing complications. This may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and managing stress. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce the number of red blood cells or to treat underlying conditions.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for Gaisböck syndrome is generally good, especially if the underlying cause can be identified and treated. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications such as blood clots (thrombosis) and heart failure.
See also[edit | edit source]
This article is a hematology stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
