Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough red and white blood cells, and platelets. Having fewer red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. Hemoglobin is the part of blood that carries oxygen through your body. Having fewer white blood cells makes you more likely to get an infection. And having fewer platelets makes the blood too thin. This means your blood can’t clot the way it should. Aplastic anemia has many causes. Sometimes it occurs for no known reason. Other causes are linked to a previous illness or disorder. Acquired causes may include: History of certain infectious diseases (such as hepatitis, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, CMV, or paravirus B19) History of taking certain medicines, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals Exposure to
radiation History of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus Inherited condition Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow doesn’t make enough red and white blood cells, and platelets. The body's immune system is confused and begin to attack these critical performing cells. Who is at risk for aplastic anemia?Aplastic anemia can occur at any age. But it is more common among teens, young adults, and older adults. Your risk increases if you:
What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
These symptoms may look like other blood disorders or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is aplastic anemia diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. You may also have tests such as:
How is aplastic anemia treated?Your healthcare provider will create a care plan based on:
Aplastic anemia is a serious illness. Treatment usually depends on the underlying cause. For certain causes, you may recover after treatment. But the condition can come back. To treat the low blood counts, early treatment may include:
In certain people, a bone marrow transplant may cure aplastic anemia. Living with aplastic anemiaManaging aplastic anemia includes working closely with your healthcare provider and following your treatment plan. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you are having. You are more at risk of infections so you should:
Key points about aplastic anemia
What is the diagnosis of aplastic anemia?The sample is examined under a microscope to rule out other blood-related diseases. In aplastic anemia, bone marrow contains fewer blood cells than normal. Confirming a diagnosis of aplastic anemia requires a bone marrow biopsy.
What are common early signs of aplastic anemia?When present, signs and symptoms can include:. Fatigue.. Shortness of breath.. Rapid or irregular heart rate.. Pale skin.. Frequent or prolonged infections.. Unexplained or easy bruising.. Nosebleeds and bleeding gums.. Prolonged bleeding from cuts.. What labs indicate aplastic anemia?Your health care professional may use one or more blood tests to check for signs of aplastic anemia or MDS.. A complete blood count link, or CBC, is usually the first blood test used to check for aplastic anemia or MDS. ... . A blood smear link examines the size, shape, and number of blood cells in your blood.. What is the most common cause of aplastic anemia?In most cases, the exact cause of aplastic anemia is not known. This is called idiopathic. However, researchers believe that the disorder may result from the body's own immune system causing damage to bone marrow stem cells.
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