A Few of the Different Types of Blood Disorders
Posted on 29. Jun, 2010 by admin in Uncategorized
Blood disorders are classifications of diseases affecting the red and white blood cells in the body. And while all of these diseases are all classified as blood disorders, many different types of blood disorders present in many different ways and with many different symptoms, because of the many varied processes blood is responsible for throughout the body. Here now are some of the most common different types of blood disorders:
1. Aplastic Anemia- While there are many different types of anemia, aplastic anemia is among the most common. Aplastic anemia occurs when bone marrow in the body produces too few of every type of blood cell, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, each of which in turn has its own negative affects. Low red blood cells can cause a drop in hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying protein in the blood, while low white cells weakens the immune system and makes individuals more susceptible to disease. Low platelet count also has its own negative effects, the biggest of which is usually hindering blood from clotting.
2. Sickle Cell Anemia- An inherited blood disorder, sickle cell disease is another type of anemia characterized by defective hemoglobin. In individuals with sickle cell, healthy red blood cells, which are circular in shape, are replaced with sickle shaped blood cells. These new blood cells have a highly diminished ability to carry oxygen throughout the body and can lead to an individual having symptoms such as pain, anemia, acute chest syndrome, stroke and jaundice. While sickle cell can occur in anyone, it has been found to be most common in those of African descent and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry.
3. Hemophilia- Hemophilia is a classification for a few different types of blood disorders, all of which prevent the blood from being able to form a firm clot quickly and normally. This inability of the blood to clot puts people with hemophilia at severe risk should they ever be bleeding.
4. Leukemia- Sometimes referred to as cancer of the blood, leukemia starts in the tissues in the body that form blood. Rather than producing healthy white blood cells, people with leukemia produce abnormal cells called leukemia cells. These cells can interfere with the function of normal white blood cells, putting individuals with leukemia at severe risk. Of all of the different types of blood disorders, leukemia is considered one of the most deadly.
These are just a few of the different types of blood disorders, and while there are many more, all of which have their own causes and symptoms, the one commonality they hold is that they are all very serious, and usually require immediate attention. So if you believe that you many have a blood disorder of any kind, be sure to talk to your doctor about getting the testing, and possibly treatment, that you need.
