What is Aplastic Anemia? Let's talk about it simply.

Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Or do you get serious infections from even the smallest things? Do you notice bruises all over your body? While we may think these things are normal, sometimes they can be signs of a problem deep inside our bodies. That means it's time to check if our body's main blood-making factory, the bone marrow, is getting some rest.

What exactly is aplastic anemia?

Simply put, aplastic anemia is a very rare but serious blood disorder. What happens is that the spongy part inside our bones, called the bone marrow , stops making new blood cells. Think of it as if our body's main blood-making factory suddenly went on strike.

There are three main types of cells in our blood:

• Red blood cells: These are what carry oxygen throughout the body.
• White blood cells: These are our army that fights disease and infection.
• Platelets: These are the ones that stop bleeding when there is a wound.

Sometimes, in aplastic anemia, only one of these three types of blood cells is produced. But most often, all three types are produced less. This condition can develop gradually or suddenly. If the number of blood cells decreases significantly, it can be life-threatening.

Although this condition can develop at any age, it is most common in young people in their early 20s and those over 60.

What causes this situation?

Aplastic anemia can have many different causes. Doctors will determine what type it is and how serious it is.

Inherited Aplastic Anemia

This is caused by certain genetic defects that you are born with. These genes prevent your bone marrow from making enough blood cells. For example, conditions like Fanconi anemia and Dyskeratosis congenita are associated with this.

Later causes (Acquired Aplastic Anemia)

This is the most common type. What happens here is that our own immune system mistakenly attacks our own bone marrow cells. There are also other causes:

• Some viruses like `HIV` or `(Epstein-Barr)`.
• Certain medications, especially some antibiotics.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer.
• Other autoimmune disorders.

Cases where no cause can be found (Idiopathic Aplastic Anemia)

Sometimes, doctors can't find a clear cause for this condition. These cases are called this.

What are the symptoms you feel?

Your symptoms will depend on which type of blood cell is lacking. However, since all three types of cells are often lacking, you may see a combination of these symptoms.

How do you find this, Doctor?

If you have symptoms like these, your doctor will order several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Complete Blood Count (FBC): This measures the amount of each type of cell in your blood.
• Peripheral Blood Smear: This involves looking at a sample of your blood under a microscope to check for abnormalities in the shape and size of the cells.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration or Biopsy: This is the most important and definitive test to confirm the diagnosis. Under anesthesia, a very small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone or other suitable bone. Although this is a somewhat difficult test, it is essential to accurately diagnose the disease.

What are the treatments for this?

The treatment method depends on factors such as the cause of the disease, its severity, and your age.

• Treating the cause: Sometimes, if the cause of this condition is a medication or chemical, stopping it may improve the condition.
• Watch and Wait: If the disease is not very serious, your doctor may not prescribe any treatment and monitor your condition by checking your blood counts frequently.
• Drug treatment:
• Immunosuppressants: These medications help stop your immune system from attacking your bone marrow.
• Bone Marrow Stimulants: These drugs help the bone marrow make more blood cells.
• Blood Transfusions: To increase the number of red blood cells or platelets that have been depleted, blood must be given from outside. This is not a cure, but it helps control the symptoms.
• Stem Cell Transplant: This is also known as a Bone Marrow Transplant . This involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a healthy person (often a close relative). This can completely cure the disease. This is a successful treatment, especially for young patients.

How do you live with this situation?

If you have aplastic anemia, you need to take special care of your health.

• Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands often. Stay away from sick people and crowded places as much as possible.
• Avoid injuries: Due to the risk of bleeding, avoid sports and activities that can cause injury.
• Get a good rest: Get a good rest when you feel tired.
• A balanced diet: Eat nutritious foods.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Also, be sure to consult your doctor in special cases, such as before flying.

Aplastic Anemia, Anemia, Bone Marrow, Blood Deficiency, Symptoms, Treatment