Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Aplastic Anemia

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Pancytopenia - Red Blood Cell Aplasia - Red cell aplasia - Myelophthisis

General

Aplastic anemia is a rare condition in which your bone marrow stops or dramatically reduces production of blood cells. This condition may be acute or chronic. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. When there aren't enough red blood cells, not enough oxygen is delivered to our cells. This may cause symptoms such as weakness, short of breath and more. Aplastic anemia is caused due to bone marrow damage. There are many conditions that are known to damage your bone marrow though the cause for aplastic anemia often remains unknown. Some known causes for aplastic anemia include exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, anorexia, some viruses like EBV, HIV, parvovirus B19 and more.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of aplastic anemia are similar to those caused by other causes of anemia. These include Fatigue Weakness Shortness of breath Pale skin Fast heart beat Irritability

Diagnosis

CBC (complete blood count)- All Types of anemia are firstly diagnosed by a blood test. The first test the doctor will use when anemia is suspected is a CBC. This test gives information about the different cells that circulate in your blood. It includes information about white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. If aplastic anemia is suspected, your doctor may want a bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the anemia. Some mild forms do not require treatment. More severe forms may require blood transfusions or bone marrow transplantation. If a cause is determined, avoidance from the cause is crucial.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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I think it's a miracle drug, buuut.... Studies have shown that it **destroys the 23rd chromosome** in both males and females and will be carried through to the children. This can cause mutations in them. But ONLY if you have it before having children.