Guide Note
Aplastic anemia is a rare, very serious blood disorder which causes the bone marrow to stop producing new red and white blood cells and platelets. Only about five hundred to one thousand people in the United States develop aplastic anemia a year. The two main types of aplastic anemia are acquired and hereditary. Acquired means it has developed over a person's lifetime and hereditary means a person is born with it. Aplastic anemia can be treated successfully with prompt and appropriate treatment.
Fast Facts
- Can begin suddenly and develop slowly
- Severe aplastic anemia left untreated can be fatal
- Affects people of all ages and races
- More common in developing countries
- Symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, serious infections, abnormal bruising or bleeding
- Not a cancer but requires similar treatments
- Treatment: blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, medications
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have aplastic anemia, please consult your doctor.
Categories
