YOUR HEALTH

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband just returned from the doctor with a possible diagnosis of polycythemia. Neither he nor I know anything about this. Would you tell us its significance? Is it a form of cancer? I suspect it might be. -W.B.

ANSWER: Polycythemia (POWL-ee-sigh-THEME-ee-uh) isn't cancer. It comes from a bone marrow that makes too many blood cells -red, white and platelets. Most attention is directed to the red blood cells. What pushed the marrow into this overproduction mode is something that has yet to be explained.

I'll bet the doctor discovered it not from symptoms your husband might have, but from blood work that showed a high red blood cell count.

Too many red blood cells can cause as much trouble as too few. People with too many red blood cells are often dizzy and have ringing of the ears or hear other noises. They frequently complain of headaches. Blood

pressure might rise. Itching is another common symptom. The blood -crowded with red blood cells -thickens, and heart attacks are a danger. Blood uric acid levels can rise and bring on a gout attack.

The numbers of red blood cells can increase for reasons other than polycythemia. Cigarette smokers often have a higher-than-normal count. Your husband's doctor gave your husband a tentative diagnosis while he investigates the other causes of his increased red blood cells.

Treatment is straightforward removal of blood. Blood is taken until the count approaches normal. When it has, removal is less frequent, maybe four times a year.

If blood removal doesn't keep the red blood cell count at normal levels, the medicine hydroxyurea often can.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I take my temperature every day. I take it first thing in the morning after I wake up. It's around 97.5

F. Isn't this abnormally low? I don't have much energy, and I wonder if it might be related to this low temperature that I run. Do you think so? -P.G.

ANSWER: Body temperature doesn't stay at 98.6 (37 C) throughout the day and night. It fluctuates depending on the time of day and what we're doing. It hits a low point in early morning and a high point in early evening.

I can't tell you what's causing your lack of energy, but it's not related to your temperature. You have to look for a different explanation.

Why are you taking your temperature every day? It's not necessary, and it's worrying you without being a cause for worry.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.