Erythrocytosis and smoking.

Q: Erythrocytosis resolves with the cessation of smoking.

A) Yes

B) No

Answer: A

It is a well-known fact erythrocytosis and consequently, polycythemia is common in smokers. One of the pearls that often get missed in teaching smokers to quit is that one of the benefits of smoking cessation is the resolution of polycythemia and lesser risks from all its associated effects such as stroke other vascular thrombosis like DVT.

#hematology

References:

1. Smith JR, Landaw SA. Smokers' polycythemia. N Engl J Med 1978; 298:6.

2. Aitchison R, Russell N. Smoking--a major cause of polycythaemia. J R Soc Med 1988; 81:89.