Multiple Blood Disorders

What are blood disorders?

Blood disorders affect the components of blood, which include:

Red and white blood cells

Red blood cells deliver oxygen to all your tissues and organs. White blood cells, which are part of your immune system, create antibodies that destroy harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

Platelets and plasma

Platelets contain substances that clot your blood when you have an injury. Growth factors in platelets are essential to the healing process after an injury. Plasma is the fluid part of your blood.

Diseases affecting your blood take numerous forms, which together are known as multiple blood disorders.

The symptoms you experience with multiple blood disorders vary depending on your specific condition. Common ones include chronic fatigue, weakness, bruising easily, frequent nose bleeds, and wounds that keep bleeding.

What kinds of multiple blood disorders could I get?

The most common kinds of multiple blood disorders include:

Anemia

Anemia is the most widespread blood disorder. It affects how your red blood cells function, reducing their effectiveness. Deficiency anemias, where you lack iron or certain vitamins, are the most common. There are other kinds as well, like aplastic anemia and sickle cell anemia.

Coagulation disorders

Coagulation disorders include:

• Hemophilia
• Antithrombin III deficiency
• Von Willebrand disease (VWD)
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Platelet dysfunction
• Factor V Leiden
• Prothrombin gene mutation
• Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Coagulation disorders can affect your blood in two ways. Some reduce your blood’s clotting function, so you continue to bleed if you suffer an injury. Others make your blood more likely to clot.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic blood disorder where your body absorbs far more iron than it needs. The excess iron builds up in your vital organs, including the heart, liver, and pancreas, potentially causing serious complications.

How are multiple blood disorders treated?

Dr. Shah designs a customized treatment plan for patients with multiple blood disorders. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment program could contain one or more of the following therapies:

• Iron supplements
• Folic acid supplements
• Vitamin B12 injections
• Nutrition education and dietary changes
• Immunosuppressant medication
• Blood transfusions
• Hormone treatments
• Oxygen therapy
• Bone marrow transplants

If you have a coagulation disorder, clotting regulation medications help your blood clot if wounds don’t stop bleeding. If your blood clots too easily, anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) can help prevent blood clots from forming and blocking your circulation.

To find out more about expert diagnosis and treatment of multiple blood disorders, call Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, today or book an appointment online.