Blood Disorders Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Blood disorders decrease the number of cells, proteins, platelets or nutrients in the blood, interfering with their function. This impacts the body’s ability to fight infection, regulate the immune system and respond to allergic reactions. There are both cancerous and noncancerous types of blood disorders. Some of the most common include:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
- Anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Benign hematologic conditions
- Bleeding and clotting disorders
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Hemophilia
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Thrombosis
- Von Willebrand disease
Though some medical conditions, medications and lifestyle factors can cause blood disorders, the majority are inherited. Symptoms depend on the part of the blood or organs affected, as well as the severity and extent of the condition, but most will experience a general feeling of being unwell for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of white blood cell disorders include:
- Frequent infections
- Wounds with delayed healing
- Unexplained exhaustion
- Unexplained weight loss
Signs of red blood cell disorders include:
- Unexplained exhaustion
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering
- Paleness
Signs of platelet and clotting disorders include:
- Difficulty forming blood clots or controlling bleeding
- Injuries that are slow to heal or keep re-opening
- Unexplained bruising or skin that easily bruises
- Unexplained bleeding
Typically, blood disorders are first discovered through a blood test performed as part of a routine examination or to help determine why a patient isn’t feeling well. If a blood disorder is detected, additional blood tests, and occasionally a bone marrow biopsy, are necessary to diagnose the specific blood disorder.
Blood conditions that do not yet cause symptoms may simply require monitoring. More active or aggressive blood disorders are treated with a combination of:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted drug therapy
- Stem cell transplants
- Blood transfusions
Whether your blood disorder can be managed at home or requires clinical treatment, we are here to help you find ways to minimize the impact to your daily life. In addition to the expert attention you’ll receive from our hematologists, oncologists and radiologists, you may also find comfort in speaking with one of our behavioral therapists and/or receiving advice from our nutrition and wellness experts. We are committed to helping you rebuild and restore your body’s blood system while supporting your ability to live an active, normal life.
