Contents
Rare Blood Disorders: An Overview of Inherited Conditions, Symptoms and Health
Having a rare blood disorder can be difficult to manage, so it is important to understand the various conditions, the symptoms, and how to properly look after your health. This article provides an overview of the rare blood disorders, their inherited conditions and the symptoms to look out for.
What is a Rare Blood Disorder?
A rare blood disorder, or rare hematologic disorder, is an inherited condition in which the functioning of the red blood cells and other components of the blood are not properly balanced. These conditions can have severe medical implications and may affect everyday life.
Types of Rare Blood Disorders
There are several types of rare blood disorders that can affect different parts of the blood. Some of the more common types are:
- Thalassemia – this is a genetic disorder that affects the production of normal haemoglobin, and can result in anaemia.
- Leukaemia – this is an inherited blood cancer, with several subtypes that can affect specific cells of the blood.
- Sickle Cell Anemia – this is a rare inherited disorder that can result in red blood cells becoming crescent-shaped, leading to a reduced level of oxygen in the blood.
- Aplastic Anaemia – this is a rare condition that affects the production of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the number of circulating cells.
Symptoms of Rare Blood Disorders:
The symptoms of rare blood disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder, however, common symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- breathlessness
- dizziness
- paleness
- frequent infections
- easy bruising
- and swollen glands.
Treatment of Rare Blood Disorders
Due to the different aspects of rare blood disorders, treatment options can vary. Generally, the treatment options may include:
- blood transfusions
- bone marrow transplantation
- medication
- lifestyle changes
- surgery
Looking After Your Health
Living with a rare blood disorder can be challenging and it is important to manage your health properly. Some tips for managing your condition include:
- regularly attending medical appointments
- joining a support group
- eating a balanced diet
- staying active and exercising regularly
- getting adequate rest and sleep
- minimising stress
- and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Living with a rare blood disorder can be difficult, but with the right treatments and strategies, managing your condition can become easier. To minimise the impact of a rare blood disorder, it is important to understand the condition, the symptoms to watch out for and how to look after your health.