Here’s some down and dirty information about aplastic anemia, an autoimmune disease that results when the body cannot produce life-sustaining bone marrow, and doesn’t create enough red and white blood cells and platelets.
As the condition worsens, and the body’s hemoglobin fails, the people become fatigued
They feel very tired, sometimes listless, and that’s just one symptoms of many…
- Sometimes even minimal amounts of physical activity can make people feel weak as a result of less and less oxygen is carried in the blood through red blood cells
- With less oxygen in the blood, it leads to white-looking skin, breathlessness and eventually dizziness when sitting or when trying to standing and because of poor circulation, people often feel cold to the touch, they frequently have pain in their chests, along with headaches
- Because there’s less oxygen in the blood, the heart tries to compensate by beating rapidly which often results in skipping beats also known as arrhythmia and can lead to heart disease, causing the heart to enlarge. People can develop heart failure which can be managed, but if the condition worsens or is left untreated can lead to cardiac arrest
- In some cases, people may develop flu-like symptoms, weakness, and infections
- Spots may appear on the skin, with the development of bleeding gums and mouth sores which are not uncommon
- Though it’s not completely understood why, it’s possible that aplastic anemia can cause increased menstrual flow in some people.
Keep in mind that everyone’s experience with aplastic anemia is different. Some people have only mild forms while others may have moderate or even severe forms.
If you have been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, it’s very important to consult with a doctor to determine your best options for treatment.
Most importantly, do not give up hope! Many Americans are living and have lived with this disease for years.
