Blood disorders: types and symptoms & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a blood disorder?

Blood disorders, also known as haematological disorders, are disorders that affect the quantity and function of your blood. Your blood is composed of four main components, namely red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), blood plasma, and platelets (platelets).

These four components can experience problems so that they cannot function properly. As a result, you may experience various blood disorders that can be acute and chronic.

Here are some of the most common blood disorders.

Blood disorders that affect red blood cells

Types of blood disorders that affect red blood cells (erythrocytes) include:

1. Anemia

Of the many blood disorders, you may be familiar with anemia. Yes, this disease is caused by a low number of red blood cells in the body. When you have anemia, your body doesn't get a rich supply of oxygenated blood. This low oxygen-rich blood supply can make sufferers feel tired, lethargic, and not energized. People who have anemia may also have other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or headaches.

Depending on the cause, anemia is divided into several types which include:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Anemia due to chronic disease
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Anemia due to thalassemia
• Folate deficiency anemia

2. Malaria

Malaria is a dangerous disease caused by parasites carried by the Anopheles mosquito. Parasites will enter the blood and then infect red blood cells and damage these cells.

Once you are infected, your body will react with symptoms such as high fever and chills. This condition usually occurs in cycles lasting 2-3 days at a time.

If this condition is left without proper treatment, parasitic infections can cause damage to the organs of the sufferer. In severe cases, malaria can also be life threatening and even cause death.

2. Polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera is a condition when too many red blood cells are produced in the spinal cord. This increased production of red blood cells in the body can cause blood to clot and block blood flow. This condition increases the risk of blood clots.

If not treated promptly, a blood clot can pass through a blood vessel, causing serious conditions such as a stroke (blood clot in the brain) or myocardial infarction (blood clot in the artery of the heart).

Blood disorders that affect white blood cells

Types of blood disorders that affect red blood cells (erythrocytes) include:

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells turn abnormal and multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow. Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer.

Based on how fast it develops and the types of white blood cells that are attacked, leukemia can be divided into acute and chronic. Chronic leukemia is much more dangerous and difficult to treat than acute leukemia.

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, bone marrow and other parts of the body. Just like leukemia, lymphoma occurs due to white blood cells that develop abnormally and out of control.

Lymphoma consists of various types, but the two main categories of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

3. Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when plasma cells become malignant and multiply out of control. In fact, plasma cells themselves play a role in producing antibodies (or immunoglobulins) that help the body attack and kill germs, so you can be protected from infection and disease.

Unfortunately, multiple myeloma actually causes abnormal antibody production. As a result, your immune system becomes weak and susceptible to infection.

4.Myelodysplastic syndrome (praleukemia)

Myelodysplastic syndrome or also known as praleukemical disease is a type of blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow. This condition is caused because the blood cells that are formed are not perfect, so they cannot function properly.

Although often appearing slowly, this syndrome can also appear suddenly and become leukemia at a severe level.

Blood disorders that affect platelets

Some blood disorders that can affect platelets include:

1. Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia occurs because the platelets in the blood are too low. Platelets themselves are blood cells that play an important role in the blood clotting process. This condition can be caused due to health problems or the effects of certain drugs.

In rare cases, the platelet count can become very low. If left untreated, this condition can cause dangerous internal bleeding.

2. Essential thrombocytosis

Essential thrombocythemia is an increase in platelet count for no apparent reason. This condition causes excessive blood clotting and bleeding.

Essential thrombocythemia can occur due to disruption in the process of stem cell formation (stem cell) blood-forming. Unfortunately, until now the experts do not know the exact cause of essential thrombocytosis.

Blood disorders that affect blood plasma

Some blood disorders that can affect blood plasma are:

1. Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disease that makes it difficult for blood to clot. This condition is caused because the body lacks blood clotting proteins (clotting factors).

If a person with hemophilia has bleeding, it will be difficult to stop the bleeding. As a result, blood will continue to flow out. If not treated immediately, this disease can cause serious complications.

2. Thrombophilia

If hemophilia occurs because the blood is difficult to clot, thrombophilia is a condition that makes it easy for your blood to clot. Yes, thrombophilia or what is also called blood clotting is a disease related to blood clots.

This condition makes it easier for the blood to clot. Some people diagnosed with this disease must take blood thinners every day to avoid blood clots.

Sometimes, thrombophilia can lead to serious and life-threatening complications.

3. Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein platelets or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disease that occurs when there is a blood clot in a vein. Usually the veins that most often experience clotting are the legs.

This condition causes blood flow to slow down. As a result, the blocked area becomes swollen, red, and painful. When the blood clot travels to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, which can lead to serious breathing problems.

How common are blood disorders?

Blood disorders, including those that occur quite often. This condition can be experienced by anyone of any age or gender.

You can avoid blood disorders by reducing the existing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a blood disorder?

The signs and symptoms of blood disorders may vary depending on the cause. However, there are some typical symptoms that can appear when a person has a blood disorder, including:

• Weak, lethargic, powerless
• Fever
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Pale skin
• Redness of the face
• Excessive blood clotting
• Petechiae or red spots appear
• Wounds that don't heal or are slow to heal
• Bleeding uncontrollably after being injured
• The skin bruises easily even with a small impact

Generally, blood disorders cause very heavy bleeding in cases of:

• Nosebleed
• Dental procedures
• Menstrual bleeding
• Give birth
• Teething in babies

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes blood disorders?

There are several main causes of blood disorders, including:

Heredity

Blood disorders can run in families. This means that if a parent or sibling has a blood disorder, you are likely to experience the same thing.

Certain diseases

For example, polycythemia vera (a genetic condition) can cause your body to produce too many red blood cells. It could also be because you you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus.

Your immune system may destroy your own blood platelets, which makes it difficult for your body to stop bleeding when injured.

Infection

Some infections can reduce the number of white blood cells from your blood. Even so, sometimes the infection can also increase the production of white blood cells in your body.

Malnutrition

Poor nutrition can also cause blood disorders. For example, if you are deficient in iron, your body can't produce enough red blood cells. As a result, you will be more susceptible to anemia.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of developing blood disorders?

There are several reasons that put you at a higher risk of developing blood disorders, including:

• Overweight aka obesity
• Smoke
• Have a serious infection
• Lack of physical activity
• Elderly
• Unhealthy eating patterns, for example high in fat, salt and sugar
• Experiencing chronic indigestion that affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients from the food you eat

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for treating blood disorders?

The first thing your doctor will do to treat your blood disorder is to check your medical history and your general condition. After that, the doctor may perform a physical and laboratory examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor can suggest a combination of treatments to help correct your blood cell disorders. If your condition is not severe, you may only be given certain drugs to relieve the symptoms you are complaining about.

Meanwhile, in cases when the medication is not working well, you may be advised to have a bone marrow transplant. This procedure can repair or replace damaged bone marrow, so that it can return to function properly.

In addition, blood transfusions are another option to help you replace blood cells that are lost or damaged. During a blood transfusion, you receive a healthy infusion of blood from a donor.

What are the usual tests for blood disorders?

In order to find out the cause of your blood disorder, your doctor will usually recommend that you do some of the tests below.

Complete peripheral blood count

Complete peripheral blood count is the most common test for blood disorders. This procedure serves to evaluate all the cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) in the blood.

Automatic machines can perform this test in less than 1 minute on a small amount of blood. This procedure is in some cases also complemented by examining the blood cells under a microscope.

Reticulocyte count

Reticulocyte count functions to measure the number of newly formed red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a certain volume of blood. Reticulocytes usually occupy about 1% of the total number of red blood cells.

If the body needs more red blood cells, as in anemia, the bone marrow usually responds by producing more reticulocytes. Thus, the reticulocyte count is a measure of the capacity of the bone marrow to make new red blood cells.

Special blood cell tests

Doctors can measure the proportion of white blood cell types and the ability of white blood cells to fight infection. Most of the tests are done on a blood sample, but some require a sample of bone marrow.

Clotting tests cover a wide variety of tests

Some clotting tests can count the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are responsible for controlling bleeding.

Sometimes doctors need to test how well the platelets are working. Other tests can measure the overall function of the protein needed for normal blood clotting.

Measurement of protein and other substances

This test is performed on a urine sample. Urine contains a small amount of protein. By measuring this protein, your doctor can detect abnormalities in the quantity or structure of your urine.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat blood disorders?

You can treat blood disorders in many ways. If you notice any symptoms, you should visit your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment so that you can get the best results.

Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages may help you reduce your risk of developing blood disorders.

If a blood disorder occurs in your parents, you will need to consult your doctor to discuss the possibility that you may have one at a later date.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.