Disorders of Blood
Blood is responsible or performing major functions in the body. Any disorder in composition of blood or its function can result in severe harm to the body. Some of the blood disorders are:
| Disorder | Causes | Symptoms | Treatments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anemia | Lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, often due to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic diseases. | Fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness. | Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, dietary changes, and treatment of underlying conditions. |
| Hemophilia | Genetic mutation leading to a deficiency in one of the blood clotting factors. | Excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, many large or deep bruises, unusual bleeding after vaccinations, pain, swelling, or tightness in joints. | Regular injections of the clotting factor, physical therapy, and in severe cases, prophylactic treatment. |
| Leukemia | Cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. | Fever or chills, persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent or severe infections, losing weight without trying, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen. | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. |
| Lymphoma | A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. | Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, itchy skin. | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy. |
| Thalassemia | Genetic disorder causing the body to make an abnormal form of hemoglobin, resulting in excessive destruction of red blood cells. | Fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, facial bone deformities, slow growth, abdominal swelling. | Blood transfusions, chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body, folic acid supplements, bone marrow transplant. |
| Sickle Cell Disease | Genetic disorder that leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin. Red blood cells become rigid and shaped like sickles or crescent moons. | Episodes of pain, swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth or puberty, vision problems. | Pain management, hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and in some cases, a stem cell transplant. |
| Polycythemia Vera | A type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. | Headaches, dizziness, itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower, redness of the skin, shortness of breath, bleeding or bruising easily. | Phlebotomy to remove excess blood, low-dose aspirin, hydroxyurea, and interferon alfa. |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. | Swelling, pain, red or discolored skin on the leg, a feeling of warmth in the affected leg. | Blood thinners, clot busters for severe cases, filters inserted into a large vein, compression stockings. |
Blood: Components, Functions, Disorders and Types
Blood is a fluid present in the body, which is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. Red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma are the key components of blood, the essential function of blood is; its role in immunity, clotting, and homeostasis. Blood circulates through arteries and veins, ensuring cellular function and overall health, while also helping in temperature regulation and maintaining pH balance.
In this article, we will study the components of blood, Types of blood cells, Functions of blood, Blood vessels and their types, Disorders of blood, and Blood groups.
Table of Content
- What is Blood?
- Components of Blood
- Types of Blood Cells
- Types of White Blood Cells
- Functions of Blood
- Blood Vessels and their Types
- Disorders of Blood
- Blood Groups