A blood disorder is basically a condition wherein there is a problem with your white blood cells, red blood cells, or sometimes the smaller cells known as platelets which are helpful in forming clots. All of these cell types form in the bone marrow, which is located inside of the bones. Red cells help to transport oxygen throughout your body's tissues and organs, white blood cells help to fight off infection, and platelets cause the blood to clot when there is a wound. Blood disorders can impair the function and formation of various types of blood cells, and lead to long-term problems.
Blood Disorder Causes:
Blood disorders are frequently the result of a disease. Sometimes, they are inherited from parents. For example, iron deficiencies that are caused by a problem with absorbing iron can result in your body simply being unable to produce the right amount of red blood cells. Additionally, a genetic condition, such as polycythemia vera might cause your body to produce too many red blood cells. If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, your immune system might destroy its own platelets, and this hampers your body's ability to prevent bleeding. Compromised or low white blood cells are caused by infections that overwhelm or destroy them. Some conditions might destroy blood cells faster than the bone marrow can create them.
Blood Disorder Symptoms:
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood disorder that you have. Common symptoms associated with red blood cells might include fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, poor concentration, faster heartbeats and muscle weakness. On the other hand, common symptoms of white blood cell disorders include fatigue, chronic infections, unexplained loss of weight, and a general feeling of being unwell most of the time.
Finally, the common symptoms of platelet-based blood disorders may include:
– unexplained bleeding from the gums or nosebleeds
– skin that bruises more commonly or easily
– blood that can't clot following a cut or injury
– sores or cuts that don't heal properly, or heal too slowly
Blood Disorder Treatments:
Your treatment plan for a blood disorder will depend on your age, the stage of your illness, and your overall status in terms of health. Your doctor might use a combination of different treatments to help you correct your disorder, for instance. Medication is a common solution for blood disorders. For instance, romiplostim can assist with clotting issues. On the other hand, with white blood cell issues, antibiotics can help to fight off infections, and dietary supplements can treat anemia that is caused as a result of various deficiencies.
Surgery:
Surgery may also be a solution for some disorders. For instance, bone marrow transplants can replace and repair damaged marrow in the body. These transplants will involve switching stem cells, usually from a different donor into your body so that your bone marrow can begin to produce normal cells again. Blood transfusions are another option for people who have lost or damaged blood cells. Importantly, both of these procedures will require specific criteria to be successful, and bone marrow donors must be as close a match as possible for your specific genetic profile.