When the bone marrow produces too few blood cells, whether that be too few of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, a reduced number of cells can lead to anemia especially if the cells with the deficiency are the red blood cells and causes the hemoglobin to drop. If the white blood cell numbers were to drop the body would be susceptible to infection. If the person has a reduced number of platelets the person would have difficulty with blood clotting.

In particular, aplastic anemia has several causes, some of which may be idiopathic, which simply means that they occur for an unknown reason and other causes may be due to a previous illness, or a previous disorder. There might also be acquired causes such as a history of hepatitis, or HIV, or parvovirus B19, or Epstein-Barr virus. Sometimes there is a history of taking certain medications, such as anticonvulsants or antibiotics prior to the symptoms of aplastic anemia. Sometimes there is exposure to radiation that is a suspected cause for aplastic anemia. Another cause could be a previous history of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or it could be an inherited condition.

The symptoms of aplastic anemia are bruising, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, skin that is pale, the appearance of blood in the stool, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, sinus tenderness, an enlarged spleen or liver and oral thrush. Other diseases or blood disorders have similar symptoms so it is important to seek the help of a medical doctor in coming up with the correct diagnosis.

To arrive at a diagnosis, the doctor will take a complete medical history, conduct a complete physical examination, order some diagnostic testing including blood tests, bone marrow aspiration and or a bone marrow biopsy.

Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan based on your age, your general health, and your medical history and list of symptoms, your tolerance for certain medications, therapies or procedures and what your preferences are in treatment options.

When designing the treatment plan your doctor will also look at your symptoms and the severity of your condition. Blood transfusions may be necessary, or preventative antibiotic therapy, medications to stimulate bone marrow growth, immunosuppressive therapy, and also hormone therapy.

Aplastic anemia is a serious blood disorder and those afflicted with it should learn all they can about the condition and the causes for it so that they can manage aplastic anemia to the best of their ability. It is important to know what symptoms are serious and how to proceed when they symptoms crop up. It is good to explore improvement in lifestyle that allow patients with aplastic anemia to take charge of their future.

Read also:

1. Can You Tell Me About Aplastic Anemia There is a rare and very serious blood disorder called, "Aplastic Anemia". It occurs when...
2. The Blood Disorder Fanconi Anemia Have you heard of the rare, inherited blood disorder, Fanconi Anemia? Individuals who have Fanconi...
3. Anemia Anemia is a very common blood disorder that affects mainly women of child-bearing years, although...
4. Megaloblastic Anemia There are many different types of anemia, all of which are blood disorders. Megaloblastic anemia...
5. Myelodysplastic Syndrome A Blood Disorder Myelodysplastic syndrome occurs mostly in those who are over age 50. Individuals who have myelodysplastic...