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Common blood disorders and their treatment options

Blood disorders are a type of disease that affects both solid and liquid parts of the blood. Plasma, the liquid portion, contains water, salts, and proteins. The solid portion contains white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Multiple organs and tissues help blood function normally in our bodies. This includes the bone marrow, clotting proteins, lymphatic system, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Any problem with one or more of these tissues or blood cells can cause blood disorders.

All blood disorders are taken care of by medical experts called hematologists. They are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders. Hematologists examine your medical history and your symptoms to determine the most probable diagnosis. The procedure may involve a blood test, urine test, bone marrow biopsy, and others. Keep reading to know more about some common blood disorders and their treatment methods.

Anemia

Anemia usually results from iron deficiency, sickle cell disease, or thalassemia, and its treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of the condition. Possible treatment can include vitamin and nutritional therapy, and medicines to boost the production of red blood cells in the body. In extreme cases, your doctor may take you through a blood transfusion procedure to quickly replenish red blood cells in your blood. Some rare forms of anemia might require transplantation of bone marrow or blood stem cells.

Hemophilia

The hallmark trait of hemophilia is excessive and prolonged bleeding. Hemophilia is usually treated by injecting treatment products, called clotting factor concentrates to help the blood clot properly. The treatment can involve treatment products for which can be used to stop a patient’s bleeding episodes and prevent them from occurring from time to time. Fortunately, nowadays, people with hemophilia can learn how to give their own clotting factor treatment products at home. This means you can get immediate treatment at your home and avoid severe bleeding.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that involves the abnormal build-up of white blood cells in the bone marrow. There are different treatments available for leukemia, and choosing among them depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases where the disease is spreading gradually, it can be treated by regularly monitoring the symptoms along with prescribed medication. Rapidly spreading leukemia is often treated with the help of chemotherapy, followed by radiation and a stem-cell transplant, if required. Other treatments may include targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer that leads to excess formation of red blood cells. This causes blood to thicken and slow down its flow. Unfortunately, the disease has no cure yet. However, treatments are available to help control the condition and avoid complications by reducing the number of red blood cells. A popular treatment option for the disease is phlebotomy, a procedure that removes some blood from the body by inserting a needle into your veins. Your doctor may also give you some medicines to limit the production of excess red blood cells in your bone marrow.

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Four important steps in anemia management

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Its richness in iron gives blood its red color. Anemia is a condition where a person has low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. From an underlying disease to nutrient deficiencies, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the onset of this condition. There are many forms of anemia. Some of them include: Iron deficiency anemia -This is caused due to low iron levels in the blood. Most common causes of this type of anemia are heavy menstruation or internal bleeding. Vitamin deficiency anemia – This type of anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, B-12 or folate Aplastic anemia – Damaged stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce enough red blood cells, leading to aplastic anemia. Sickle cell anemia – This is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia – This is a blood disorder caused due to premature death of red blood cells. Thalassemia – This is caused due to low amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood disorders vary in duration and severity. Prompt diagnosis, and treatment are important because anemia could also be due to an underlying condition.

7 foods that can help fight against arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes tenderness and swelling of joints due to inflammation. There are many types of arthritis, but joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms noticed in older adults. The symptoms worsen with increasing age. Although arthritis has no cure yet, its symptoms can be managed. Various remedies can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Some foods can even help in easing inflammation. Listed below are seven such foods. Garlic Foods from the allium family like ginger and onions have proven more than effective for arthritis patients. Garlic, especially, is well-known in the fight against multiple diseases. The compound diallyl disulphide present in it limits the count of cartilage-damaging enzymes. Additionally, garlic enhances certain immune cells that help strengthen the immune system. Fish Known for their high protein content, fish have also proved useful in greatly reducing inflammation due to arthritis. Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to experts, is a lethal weapon against arthritis and its related symptoms. Experts recommend three or four ounces of fish twice every week. Apples Apples should be an imperative part of your diet especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins of multiple forms.