Aplastic Anemia: Definition and Cause
The cause of aplastic anemia may vary with each person and affects those individuals differently as well. Aplastic anemia is a condition of the blood that a can affect the cavity of the bones and the red, spongy material known as bone marrow within the human body.
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are produced in the marrow of the bone. In order to replace the older blood cells that are existent in the body, the bone marrow is required to constantly produce new healthy blood cells. For those suffering from aplastic anemia, the condition has a negative effect on how these blood cells are produced and when the bone marrow begins to become damaged, the cell production can become slowed down or in some cases, erratic.
Certain causes are clear to doctors in regards to the how and why of aplastic anemia development. There are cases where the doctor cannot identify why the patient is suffering from the disease and the symptoms of aplastic anemia.
The Causes Behind Aplastic Anemia
Below are some common factors that can potentially cause the bone marrow to become severely injured in a patient’s body, which can potentially lead to aplastic anemia:
- Radiation or Chemotherapy Treatments - With these types of treatment the cancer cells are hopefully killed off since they can have a damaging effect on healthy cells within the body
- Benzene Exposure - Benzene, which is a known carcinogen, can have fatal effects on those who are exposed through inhalation, handling or ingesting the chemical over an extended time period
- Medication Use - Some types of drugs, such as certain antibiotics and other medications can be behind the cause of aplastic anemia
- Autoimmune Disorder - Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause injury to your body and the bone marrow because it can start to attack healthy cells
A Rare Disease
Each year in the United States alone, according to reports, roughly 1,000 people receive an diagnosis of aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia appears to be more common in Asian countries where the number of cases is higher. Aplastic anemia is more likely to happen to people who:
- Have been exposed to benzene and other toxic chemicals over an extended period of time
- Have autoimmune disorders and viruses like HIV and hepatitis
- Have some type of inherited disorder
Considering researchers have been studying the causes behind aplastic anemia for decades, there are now several effective treatments available for those with the illness, no matter what caused them to develop it. Treatments include chemotherapy, strong medications and blood transfusions. Although risky, bone marrow transplants may be required in cases that are more serious.
If you believe that you have been put at risk and may have aplastic anemia, you can receive suppport and legal guidance from a benzene attorney.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
