Diseases involving blood come in many forms and levels of severity, making it difficult to pinpoint everything you need to know about blood disorders. Some of these illnesses are strains of cancers, while others are disorders with their own symptoms and causes. To understand more about these types of illnesses, continue reading below.
Hematologists and Your Blood:
Hematology is the study of blood and the way it is related to diseases. When you are diagnosed with a disorder that affects your blood, you may be referred to one of these specialists. Hematologists focus on problems relating to vessels, arteries, bone marrow, platelets, the spleen, and your lymph nodes, among other aspects of blood health. These doctors are the ones to consult when you want to ask about everything you need to know about blood disorders. They are able to better identify abnormalities, and courses of treatment for illnesses that may baffle other physicians.
Common Blood Disorders:
There are many types of blood disorders, some of which stem from cancerous cells, while others are due to vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, and still others are related to genetics. Here are a few of the most common ones to know.
1. Hemophilia
Hemophilia is one of the rare blood disorders, and is either diagnosed as type A or type B, based on severity This condition occurs due to a genetic anomaly that occurs when only one X chromosome is present in a woman, who then becomes pregnant with a son, and passes on the defective gene. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive bleeding, which is caused by an inability to clot. Most hemophiliacs will deal with some form of internal organ or tissue damage over time due to the disorder. It is treated by blood transfusion.
2. Anemia
More than 3-million Americans are affected by this illness, according to the American Society of Hematology. The presence of anemia is indicated by a low hemoglobin count, which means the number of red blood cells is much less than normal. This is a problem because hemoglobin is what helps your blood to carry oxygen to tissues all over your body. Hemoglobin requires iron, so when you are diagnosed with anemia, your doctor will recommend a diet rich in iron, or iron supplements in an effort to increase the hemoglobin count.
Just as there are different types of blood disorders, there are different kinds of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia. Anemia also occurs due to hormonal changes in women, or due to vitamin and nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, poor circulation, and chest pain.
3. Blood Cancer
Leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma are all forms of cancer which affect your blood cells, bone marrow, lymphatic system, or plasma cells. These diseases make it difficult for your body to produce new healthy blood cells, weaken your immune system, and overproduce white blood cells. Each cancer is different, and is treated as such.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from any of the above symptoms, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment leads to a higher chance for recovery, and symptom management. By learning everything you need to know about blood disorders, you can better prepare yourself.