Aplastic Anemia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments and More

Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder. If you have it, your bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. It happens when there is damage to stem cells inside your bone marrow. There are different types of aplastic anemia, including Fanconi anemia.
What causes aplastic anemia?

The causes of aplastic anemia can include:

   Autoimmune disorders, which are the most common cause
   Certain inherited gene changes, such as the one that can cause Fanconi anemia
   Toxic substances, such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene
   Radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer
   Certain medicines
   Viral infections such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, or HIV
   Pregnancy

In many people, the cause is unknown. This is called idiopathic aplastic anemia.
What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly or slowly. It can be mild or severe. The symptoms of aplastic anemia can include:

   Fatigue
   Weakness
   Dizziness
   Shortness of breath
   Easy bruising or bleeding

What other problems can aplastic anemia cause?

Aplastic anemia can cause other problems, including frequent infections and bleeding. It raises your risk of developing a serious blood disorder.

If not treated, aplastic anemia can also lead to heart problems such as an arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat), an enlarged heart, or heart failure.
How is aplastic anemia diagnosed?

To find out if you have aplastic anemia, your doctor will:

   Take your medical and your family medical histories
   Do a physical exam
   Order tests, such as tests to check if you have low numbers of cells in your bone marrow and blood

What are the treatments for aplastic anemia?

If you have aplastic anemia, your doctor will create a treatment plan for you. The plan will be based on how severe the anemia is and what is causing it. Treatments can include:

   Blood transfusions
   Blood and marrow stem cell transplants
   Medicines to suppress your immune system

Because of the risk of blood disorders, your doctor will monitor your condition and screen you for blood disorders regularly.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute