With aplastic anemia, the bone marrow becomes damaged and becomes unable to produce blood cells and platelets, which are crucial for your body’s defence system. Without sufficient blood cells and platelets, you are at an increased risk of infections, bleeding, cardiac issues, and other complications.
The effect of this condition can vary from person to person. Aplastic anemia can affect individuals of all age groups. In some cases, it may be detected suddenly, while in others, it may be diagnosed early, with symptoms gradually worsening over time.
Common aplastic anemia causes
The exact aplastic anemia causes are difficult to determine. The condition is idiopathic. However, the following causes are thought to influence its incidence:
- Problems with one’s immune system, which hampers the functioning of the bone marrow
- Exposure to pesticides and carcinogens like benzene and arsenic for a long time
- Bone marrow disorders that patients may have inherited from their parents (Fanconi’s anemia, shwachman-diamond’s syndrome, diamond-blackfan anemia, pearson syndrome and dyskeratosis congenita)
- Certain autoimmune disorders that stay in the body for a long time
- Viral infections, like hepatitis, epstein-barr virus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19 and HIV, sometimes worsen to develop into aplastic anemia
- Exposure to certain medications (medicines to treat seizures and sulphonamides, mostly)
- Acquired blood-related disorders, like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (a condition that causes the quick breakdown of red blood cells)
- Complications in pregnancy
- side effects brought on by chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Conclusion
Remain vigilant for the symptoms of aplastic anemia and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any complications. Early intervention will help ensure you receive the right treatment at the right time.
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may advise procedures like blood transfusions to manage the condition. However, for severe symptoms, a stem cell transplant is the only recourse. A health insurance policy can be helpful when dealing with blood-related issues, as it helps cover the treatment costs associated with these conditions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.