Common Blood Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Dr.Roshan Dikshit, 4 mins read

Blood is the basis of our survival. Any problem with it can affect the whole body. That’s why no blood disorder or disease can be overlooked. One should be aware of common blood disorders, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options to take the right step at the right time. 

Common Blood Disorders

• Anaemia

This problem refers to not having enough healthy red blood cells, which are necessary for carrying oxygen around the body. People with this disease have symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, cold feet and hands, dizziness, pale or yellowish skin and irregular heartbeat. 

The doctor usually conducts a physical exam and blood tests to diagnose the issue. Once the disease is confirmed, you need to change your diet plan and take iron supplements to improve the red blood cells count. And if the problem is because of any underlying condition, the doctor will focus on treating it.

• Haemophilia
  

It is a bleeding disorder that slows the body’s blood clotting process. This disease may result in excessive and unexplained bleeding from the cut or after vaccination, many large or deep bruises, pain and swelling in joints, unexplained nose bleeds and blood in stool or urine.

To confirm this disease, the doctor recommends blood and clotting factor tests. The primary treatment for it is replacing the clotting factor you need. This replacement therapy is done through a tube inserted into a vein. Sometimes doctor also prescribe other treatment options, which includes:-

1. Desmopressin
   
2. Antifibrinolytic medicines
   
3. Gene therapy
   
4. Physical therapy
   
5. Pain medications
   
6. Steroids
   

• Blood clots
  

This condition makes your body form clots too easily, leading to several health conditions. Its symptoms may include swelling, pain and tenderness in the leg, heart attack, stroke and chest pain with shortness of breath.

If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor. He may recommend a few diagnostic tests, including a Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, lung ventilation/perfusion and angiogram. You can manage this condition with anticoagulants. But these drugs should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

• Leukaemia

It is characterised by the cancer of white blood cells. Its common signs and symptoms are fatigue, fever, frequent infections, breathing difficulties, pale skin, unexplained weight loss, pain or tenderness in bone and joints, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bleeding or bruising and night sweats.

You may need a physical exam, blood tests and/or bone marrow tests for the diagnosis. Its treatment may comprise chemotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy.

• Lymphoma

It is a cancer that starts in infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Lymphoma produces symptoms like itching and swollen lymph nodes often in the neck, groin and armpit. 

The problem is diagnosed with the help of a few tests, which may include a biopsy, chest X-ray, MRI, Pet scan, modular test and blood tests. Its treatment usually includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

• Myeloma

It means the cancer of plasma cells. This problem can produce symptoms like bone pain, frequent infection, shortness of breath, easy bruising, heavy nosebleeds, abnormal blood counts and kidney problems. 

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will recommend a few tests for diagnosis. These tests may include blood and urine tests, X-rays, scans, bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic tests. If you are diagnosed with myeloma, your doctor will begin your treatment. The treatment options are targeted therapies like thalidomide, and bortezomib, steroids, radiation therapy,  and stem cell transplant.

Also, Read: Understanding Thalassaemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment