The earlier you receive treatment for an illness, the more likely you are to recover, or prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening. To get a proper diagnosis for conditions of the blood, you must first be aware of the most common 9 warning signs and symptoms of blood disorders.
1. Headaches
A higher than normal red blood cell count can cause flushed skin and headaches. This often occurs with polycythemia, which can be caused by certain types of cancer, as well as hypoxia. Hypoxia is a condition, which prevents the appropriate levels of oxygen from reaching tissues in the body.
2. Clotting
Blood disorders may affect clotting, whether your body is unable to clot due to hemophilia, or clots too much because of hypercoagulation. Hypercoagulation can be a symptom of certain blood related cancers.
3. Fever
Low white blood cell count and problems with the bone marrow are often the cause of a weak immune system. For this reason, many people with leukemia or anemia will experience fevers more frequently than those with no such blood disorders.
4. Weakness and Fatigue
Iron deficiencies in the blood will cause you to feel dizzy, weak, and tired. Those who suffer from anemia and certain forms of blood related cancers will experience these symptoms frequently.
5. Abnormal Bleeding and Bruising
A low platelet count is often the cause of increased levels of bruising or abnormal bleeding. Hemophilia, a rare genetic blood disorder, makes it difficult for your blood to clot properly, causing increased levels of bleeding when cut. There are other blood disorders, which cause similar excessive bleeding.
6. Infection
A low white blood cell count results in a weak immune system; which leads to a greater chance for infection. If you notice recurring infections, you could have a problem with your white blood cells.
7. Blood Blisters in the Mouth
Thrombosis, which occurs when platelet counts are high and clotting increases, can cause blood blisters to form in your mouth. Similarly, low platelet counts due to immune thrombocytopenia can cause blood blisters, as well as tiny red dots to appear on the surface of your skin.
8. Pale Skin
When iron level drops due to anemia, the skin becomes very pale. This is because iron is necessary for hemoglobin proteins to attach to red blood cells and transport oxygen to tissues throughout your body. If you are noticing that you, or somebody you know, has become unnaturally pale for no explained reason, there could be a medical cause behind it.
9. Pica
Pica is one of the most alarming among the 9 warning signs and symptoms of blood disorders. This occurs when iron levels in the blood become extremely low, and individuals begin eating dirt, ice, clay, or even hair. Pica disorder can occur for many reasons, and is something that many doctors watch out for in pregnant women and anemics.
If you are experiencing any of the above 9 warning signs and symptoms of blood disorders, contact your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment provides a better chance for recovery and a healthy life.