Anemia

What is it?

It is a rare disease that is caused by the decrease in the number of blood cells being produced by bone marrow.

Common Symptoms

1. feeling of tiredness 2. fatigue

3. lack of energy

Other Symptoms include...

1. prolonged bleeding

2. frequent nosebleeds

3. bleeding gums

4. easy bruising

5. increased number and severity of infections

How is it caused?

1. exposure to toxic substances such as arsenic, benzene or pesticides

2. cancer therapy (radiation or chemotherapy)

3. autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

4. viral infections such as hepatitis, EBV, HIV, CMV, or parvovirus B19

Tests

1. Reticulocyte count—result is usually low.

2. Erythropoietin—usually increased in aplastic anemia.

3. A bone marrow aspiration will show a decrease in the number of all types of mature cells.

4. Tests for infections such as hepatitis, EBV, CMV help to determine the cause.

5. Test for arsenic (a heavy metal) and other toxins

6. Iron tests or tests for vitamin B12 may be done to rule out other causes.

7. Antibody tests such as ANA to determine if the cause is autoimmune disease

Anemia