Do you just get blue spots all over your body? Or do you bleed for a long time without stopping even from a small wound? Maybe you always feel tired, lifeless, and too tired to do anything? Behind these things, there may be some problem with the blood flowing in our body, that is, a blood disorder. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. You can control most of these and live well. Today, we will talk about everything very simply, in a way that you can understand.
First, let's look at what the 'blood' in our bodies does.
Simply put, blood is the fluid that keeps our bodies alive. It has three main parts, like three people on the same team doing special jobs.
- Red Blood Cells: These are the 'delivery service' of our body. They carry the oxygen that comes into the lungs when we breathe to every corner of the body. They also carry the unwanted carbon dioxide that builds up in the body back to the lungs to be exhaled.
- White Blood Cells: These are our body's 'defense army'. Their main job is to protect us from disease by fighting off disease-causing germs, bacteria, and viruses from outside.
- Platelets: These are the 'wound-healing guys'. When we get a cut or injury anywhere on our body, these platelets help to form blood clots to stop the bleeding. It's like putting a patch on a broken pipe.
A blood disease is a condition in which the red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets do not work properly. These diseases can be cancerous or noncancerous. In this article, we will talk about noncancerous blood diseases. Some blood diseases are inherited, while others develop later as a result of another medical condition.
What happens to the body with blood diseases?
Generally, non-cancerous blood diseases can affect our bodies in two main ways.
1. Excessive blood clotting: In some diseases, blood starts to clot inside the veins. This can be dangerous, as these blood clots can become lodged and cause serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.
2. Blood does not clot properly (excessive bleeding): In some other diseases, blood does not clot properly when it is injured. Therefore, even a small wound can cause a lot of bleeding.
Now let's look at the common diseases that belong to each of these types separately.
Blood Clotting Disorders
In these conditions, our blood clots inside the veins even when it is not needed. This is medically called ``Hypercoagulable state`` or ``Thrombophilia``.
Warning: If you experience sudden swelling, redness, and pain in one of your legs (this could be a sign of a blood clot in a vein - `Deep Vein Thrombosis`) or sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing (this could be a blood clot in the lungs - `Pulmonary Embolism`), go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. These are conditions that require urgent medical attention.
Below are some of the common diseases.
| Disorder Name | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Prothrombin gene mutation | This is a genetic condition that is passed on from birth. This increases the risk of blood clots in the veins of the legs (`Deep Vein Thrombosis`) and lungs (`Pulmonary Embolism`). |
| Antiphospholipid syndrome | This is a rare immune system disease. Our own defense system works against our own body. This can cause blood clots to form in various parts of the body. |
| Protein S and Protein C deficiencies | Protein S and C are two natural proteins in our blood that control blood clotting. When these are naturally low, blood clotting increases. |
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) | This is a very rare but serious condition in which blood clots suddenly form throughout the body, and at the same time, uncontrollable bleeding begins. |
Bleeding Disorders
In these conditions, the blood clotting process is impaired, resulting in more bleeding than normal.
| Disorder Name | What happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Von Willebrand disease | This is the most common congenital bleeding disorder. It is caused by a deficiency or defect in von Willebrand factor, a special protein that helps blood clot. |
| Hemophilia | This is also a genetic disease. It is caused by a deficiency of other 'clotting factors' that are needed for blood clotting. There are types of hemophilia A, B, and C. |
| Thrombocytopenia | This means that the number of platelets in the blood decreases. This is what happens when you get dengue. When the platelets decrease, it becomes difficult to stop bleeding. |
The most common blood disease among us: Anemia
Anemia, or 'blood deficiency' as we commonly call it, is actually the most common blood disorder. It occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body. There are many causes of anemia.
How is anemia formed?
Acquired Anemias
These are conditions that arise after we are born for various reasons.
- Iron-deficiency anemia: This is the most common type. Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This condition occurs when there is not enough iron in the diet. It is especially common in pregnant women and young girls.
- Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency Anemia: These vitamins are also essential for making healthy red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the body cannot absorb vitamin B12.
- Aplastic anemia: This is when the bone marrow stops producing new blood cells (red, white, and platelets).
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: In this, our own immune system mistakenly starts destroying our own red blood cells.
Inherited Anemias
These are diseases that are passed on to children through genes from parents.
- Sickle cell anemia: In this, the shape of the red blood cells changes. Instead of their normal round shape, they become sickle-shaped, and they can get stuck in the blood vessels.
- Thalassemia: A name we often hear in Sri Lanka. What happens in this is that the body's production of hemoglobin decreases. This causes red blood cells to become smaller, causing anemia. There are minor and major cases of this.
How do I know if I have a blood disease? (Symptoms)
The symptoms of blood diseases vary depending on the nature of the disease. Let's categorize them.
| Common symptoms of various blood diseases | |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms of anemia | |
| |
| Common symptoms of bleeding disorders | |
| |
| Common symptoms of blood clotting disorders | |
|
How does the doctor diagnose this disease?
When you complain of the above symptoms, your doctor will first examine you, ask about your symptoms, and ask if anyone in your family has had these conditions. Then, they will mainly do several blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
A complete blood count (CBC) is usually done to get a good idea of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood.
- Red blood cell test: This checks things like hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. If these are low, it confirms that you have anemia.
- White blood cell count: There are several types of white blood cells (such as `Neutrophils`, `Lymphocytes`, `Eosinophils`). By looking at the amounts of each type, you can determine whether you have an infection, an allergy, or another serious condition.
- Platelet count: The platelet count is checked. If the count is low, there is a risk of bleeding. If the count is high, there is a risk of blood clotting.
After these initial tests, you may be referred for more specialized tests (e.g., blood clotting factor testing, bone marrow examination) if necessary.
What are the treatments for this?
The treatment method depends on what blood disorder you have and how severe it is.
- Watchful waiting: For some minor blood diseases, if there are no major symptoms, your doctor may not prescribe any medication and may monitor your condition by performing regular tests.
- Medicines:
- Iron tablets or syrup for iron deficiency anemia.
- Vitamins related to vitamin deficiencies.
- Anticoagulants are given to prevent blood clotting in diseases that increase blood clotting.
- For diseases that cause excessive bleeding, medications are given to help the blood clot.
- For diseases caused by problems with the immune system, medications such as corticosteroids are given to control that system.
- Blood and platelet transfusions: If the anemia is very severe or if there is excessive bleeding, blood or platelets are given externally.
- Growth factor supplementation: Injections are given that stimulate the bone marrow and help it produce more blood cells.
Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you. Any treatment can have side effects. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about them.
How to live with a blood disease? How to reduce the risk?
Having a blood disorder is not the end of life. With proper management, most people can live a normal life.
- Get good nutrition: Include iron-rich foods (such as spinach, kale, spinach, beef, and peas), vitamin B12, and folate in your diet. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist about this.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Exercise regularly.
- Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands frequently and get the necessary vaccinations as directed by your doctor.
- Be careful of injuries: If you have a bleeding disorder, avoid sports that can cause falls and bruises. Wear a helmet if you ride a bike. Always wear a seat belt when riding in a vehicle.
- Inform your family and friends: Tell them about your condition. It is important that they know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Follow medical advice: Take your medication on time. Go to clinics on scheduled days. Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Blood diseases are problems with the function of our red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
- The two main effects are either unnecessary blood clotting or bleeding that does not stop.
- Anemia is a very common blood disorder. Don't ignore symptoms like constant fatigue, paleness, and fatigue.
- If you develop blue spots on your body, if a small wound doesn't stop bleeding, or if one leg suddenly swells, you should definitely see a doctor.
- Many blood diseases can be controlled with proper treatment and management, allowing you to live a healthy, normal life. So, don't be afraid, and seek proper medical advice.
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