Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disease where the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, and frequent infections. It requires immediate treatment, including blood transfusions, antibiotics, and medications to stimulate blood cell production. Causes include exposure to radiation, environmental toxins, and some medications. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms and can be referred to support groups for assistance.
Aplastic anemia is a rare blood-related disease in which the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells for the body. It can present in moderate, severe or acute forms. Left untreated, aplastic anemia can kill, so the disease is generally considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. In the United States, aplastic anemia affects about three in a million individuals, although rates are higher in other countries.
Symptoms of aplastic anemia include fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, and frequent infections. The inability to produce blood cells contributes to these symptoms, some of which can be highly debilitating. The onset of aplastic anemia can be slow or sudden. Without treatment, aplastic anemia will get worse. If you have problems with increasing fatigue, bruising or recurring illnesses, be sure to address them. Aplastic anemia can be diagnosed by a doctor who reviews your medical history and determines that blood and bone marrow tests are needed.
After testing and diagnosis, there are a number of treatment options. Acute aplastic anemia requires immediate blood transfusions, combined with antibiotics to fight infection. Since the patient’s immune system is compromised, it is extremely important to provide protection from infectious diseases. In some cases, an isolation chamber may be used. Some medications can also stimulate the production of blood cells. Some patients are good candidates for bone marrow transplantation.
A number of things have been linked to aplastic anemia, including exposure to radiation and environmental toxins that can damage bone marrow. Some medications can also lead to aplastic anemia, as well as pregnancy in rare circumstances. Aplastic anemia caused by pregnancy is the result of an autoimmune response in which the body attacks its own bone marrow. A viral infection can also lead to aplastic anemia and in some cases the cause is never determined.
Aplastic anemia is caused by damage to bone marrow stem cells, which play a vital role in blood production. If these stem cells are damaged or live in a poor environment, they won’t do their job. As blood cell production decreases, the body will begin to feel the effects of aplastic anemia. Although the condition is serious, if caught early, patients can make informed choices about treatment.
Because aplastic anemia is so rare, many patients are unaware of it until they are diagnosed. It can be intimidating to be diagnosed with any disease, and patients should never be afraid to ask questions. Doctors can refer patients to national support groups and organizations that will assist them with their new diagnosis. In some cases, doctors prefer to refer patients with aplastic anemia to more experienced doctors in order to ensure the best patient care.
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