A blood cell disorder is a condition in which there’s a problem with your red blood cells, white blood cells, or the smaller circulating cells called platelets, which are critical for clot formation. All three cell types form in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside your bones. Red blood cells transport oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues. White blood cells help your body fight infections. Platelets help your blood to clot. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of one or more of these types of blood cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on the type of blood cell disorder. Common symptoms of red blood cell disorders are:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- trouble concentrating from lack of oxygenated blood in the brain
- muscle weakness
- a fast heartbeat
Common symptoms of white blood cell disorders are:
- chronic infections
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell
Causes
Many blood diseases and disorders are caused by genes. Other causes include other diseases, side effects of medicines, and a lack of certain nutrients in your diet. Common blood disorders include anemia and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
Treatments
Your treatment plan depends on the cause of your illness, your age, and your overall health status. Your doctor may use a combination of treatments to help correct your blood cell disorder.
Medicines
