Blood Disorders
Deficiencies in the ability of blood to function properly are known as blood disorders. Each type has different symptoms and characteristics. It is necessary to pay attention to unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms. A blood disorder usually results in a reduction of blood cells, proteins, platelets, and nutrient levels or interferes with the functions of these factors. Mutations in specific genes are often responsible for blood disorders that can be passed down in families. Medications, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions can also cause blood disorders.
Effects of the red blood cells in the blood
Red blood cells are affected by a number of blood disorders, including:
Anemia
Anemia is characterized by a low number of red blood cells in the body. Anemia may not cause any symptoms for many people in their lives. In severe anemia, you may feel fatigued, pale, and have shortness of breath when you exert yourself.
Iron-deficiency anemia
Red blood cells are made by the body with the help of iron. Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly caused by low iron intake and menstrual blood loss. In addition to ulcers and cancer, it can also result from blood loss from the GI tract. Sometimes, blood transfusions are used as a treatment, as are iron pills.
Anemia of chronic disease
Anemia is often associated with chronic kidney disease or other chronic diseases. It is not usually necessary to treat anemia caused by chronic disease. Some people with this type of anemia may require injections of epoetin alfa (Epogen or Procrit), which stimulates blood cell production, or blood transfusions.
Effects of the white blood cells in the blood
White blood cells can be affected by the following blood disorders:
Lymphoma
An abnormally multiplying and spreading white blood cell causes lymphoma. In the world of lymphoma, there are two major types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is often possible to prolong life for people with lymphoma with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy or even cure them.
Leukemia
The growth of a malignant white blood cell within the bone marrow causes this type of cancer. There are two types of leukemia: acute (rapid and severe) and chronic (slowly progressing). Several treatments may achieve a cure for leukemia, including chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplants (bone marrow transplants).
Multiple myeloma
Blood cancer results from the malignant growth of a white blood cell known as a plasma cell. In the process of multiplying, plasma cells release damaging substances to the organs, causing organ damage. Several people can live many years with multiple myeloma due to stem cell transplants and chemotherapy.
The effects of blood disorders on platelets
Platelets are affected by the following blood disorders:
Thrombocytopenia
A disease with a low number of platelets in the blood, thrombocytopenia can be caused by many conditions, but most of them don't cause abnormal bleeding.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
A condition characterized by low platelet counts in the blood due to an unknown cause; however, abnormal bleeding, bruises, and small red spots on the skin are common.
Blood Plasma Disorders
A variety of blood disorders affect the plasma of blood, including:
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a severe or mild condition caused by a lack of certain proteins that aid blood clotting.
Von Willebrand disease
A deficiency in the production of the protein, or an inefficiently functioning protein, leads to von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand disease is an inherited condition, but most people don't realize it because there are no symptoms. It is not uncommon for people with von Willebrand disease to experience excessive bleeding during surgery or after an injury.
A blood disorder may cause the following symptoms
As well as the severity and extent of the disease, symptoms may vary depending on the part of the blood or organs that are affected. It is notable, however, that most people who suffer from significant blood disorders are ill for no apparent reason, often leaving them feeling unwell.
There are several signs of disorders of white blood cells, including:
- Infections that occur frequently
- The inability or slowness to heal wounds
- Exhaustion unrelated to the cause
- Loss of weight
A red blood cell disorder can cause the following symptoms:
- The feeling of exhaustion that goes unnoticed
- Breathing difficulties
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- A heartbeat that is rapid
- Weakness of muscles
- The inability to concentrate or remember
- A pale complexion
There are several signs of platelet and clotting disorders, including:
- An inability to form blood clots or control bleeding at wounds
- Injuries that do not heal or keep reopening
- Skin that bruises easily or has unexplained bruising
- There is bleeding from the nose, gums, digestive system, or urogenital system that cannot be explained
Treatment and diagnosis
It is common for doctors to perform the following tests when diagnosing and assessing platelet conditions:
- An examination of the body
- An assessment of a patient's medical history and that of their families
- Testing of blood
The following therapies are also available:
- In addition to the Von Willebrand factor, desmopressin is a synthetic hormone in the body that promotes this activity
- Preventing blood clots from forming with antifibrinolytic medications
- Reducing heavy menstrual cycles with birth control medications
There are also additional treatment options, such as:
- The transfusion of blood
- Slowing platelet destruction with corticosteroids
- Blocking the immune system with immunoglobulins
- If the spleen is severe, surgery may be performed to remove it
Conclusion
In addition to white blood cells, red blood cells, and plasma, there are numerous blood disorders that can affect different components of the blood. A person with blood disorders may experience symptoms such as general feelings of unwellness without apparent cause, loss of weight, and feelings of exhaustion. Most commonly, chemotherapy or radiation therapy will be used to treat the condition based on its type and severity.
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