Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow failure condition that can affect anyone of any age, but it is more frequent in older adults, teenagers, and those in their 20s. An anemia specialist Dubai reports that this kind of anemia might develop suddenly or show up gradually and get worse over time. Although uncommon, the condition has the potential to become lethal if left untreated. Therefore, if you have signs of aplastic anemia, it is advised that you seek medical attention right away.
What Is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic anemia is a rare but curable disorder in which your bone marrow stops producing new blood cells (white, red, and platelets). Hematology treatment Dubai experts explain that the bone marrow may only cease producing one kind of blood cell in certain situations, but most of the time, it ceases producing all three kinds. You may experience less severe symptoms, such as exhaustion, or more severe ones, such as increased susceptibility to infections and uncontrollable bleeding. If your blood count becomes dangerously low, this disease can also prove fatal.
Types of Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is classified into two types:
Acquired Aplastic Anemia
It happens when the immune system damages the bone marrow’s stem cells and is typical in adults. The following are other elements that may harm the stem cells:
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Viral diseases such as Epstein-Barr or HIV
- Being around harmful substances
- Certain medications, such as phenylbutazone (Butazolidin), sulfonamides (Gantanol and others), and chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin).
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pregnancy
Inherited Aplastic Anemia
Inherited aplastic anemia is caused by gene abnormalities. Anemia clinic in Dubai specialists advise prompt treatment and care since, if left untreated, this condition may develop into leukemia or other malignancies.
Signs of Aplastic Anemia
The kind of blood cells that are impacted by aplastic anemia determines the symptoms of this illness:
- Red blood cells (RBC): Transport oxygen throughout the body.
- Platelets: Stop the bleeding
- White blood cells (WBC): Fight infections
Symptoms of low red blood cell count:
- Unusual heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- A headache
Symptoms of low white blood cell count:
- A fever
- Infections
Symptoms of low platelet count:
- Bleeding in the nose
- Easy bruising and bleeding
Diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia
To diagnose aplastic anemia, your doctor may perform the tests listed below:
Blood Tests
Your bone marrow’s ability to create blood cells within the normal range can be determined by a blood test. Aplastic anemia is indicated by low RBC, WBC, and platelet counts.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
A sample of your bone marrow will be taken by your doctor, who will then use a microscope to check it for abnormalities. Aplastic anemia is confirmed by bone marrow that has fewer blood cells than usual.
Aplastic Anemia Treatments
Mild aplastic anemia treatment in Dubai is not necessary since it is enough to cease taking medicine or avoid harmful substances. Severe aplastic anemia, a potentially fatal illness, necessitates emergency hospitalization, while intermediate instances may call for platelet and blood transfusions.
Your doctor may suggest any of the following treatments, depending on your age and the severity of your illness.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions can help alleviate symptoms by replacing blood cells that your bone marrow cannot make.
When receiving a blood transfusion, you may be given:
- Red Blood Cells: These reduce anemia and weariness by raising the RBC count.
- Platelets: They stop excessive bleeding.
Multiple blood transfusions, however, might occasionally result in specific consequences. If you are not treated promptly, iron from transfused blood cells might build up in your body and harm vital organs. While iron overload is a risk here, iron deficiency treatment Dubai protocols are also used by Dr. Barbara during the initial diagnosis to rule out nutritional causes of low blood counts before confirming aplastic anemia.
Furthermore, your body may produce antibodies against transfusion-related blood cells, which would lessen their ability to alleviate symptoms. Immunosuppressive medications, however, can lessen the likelihood of this illness.
Stem Cell Transplant/ Bone Marrow Transplant
Individuals with severe aplastic anemia or those who are younger and have a compatible donor—typically a sibling—should consider stem cell transplantation. During the process, healthy stem cells are extracted from the donor’s blood, and your damaged bone marrow is removed. After being intravenously infused into the circulation, the healthy stem cells travel to the bone marrow cavities to produce new blood cells. Medication is administered to you following the treatment to prevent donated stem cells from being rejected.
Bone Marrow Stimulants
The bone marrow is stimulated to produce new blood cells by some medications, including colony-stimulating factors like epoetin alfa (Epogen/Procrit), sargramostim (Leukine), pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), eltrombopag (Promacta), and filgrastim (Neupogen).
Immunosuppressants
People with aplastic anemia caused by an autoimmune illness or who are unable to get a stem cell transplant should take immunosuppressive medicines. These medications restore your bone marrow and aid in the production of new blood cells by inhibiting the activity of immune cells that harm it. If you stop using these medications, your anemia may return.
Antibiotic and Antiviral Drugs
Your immune system may be weakened by aplastic anemia, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, if you have severe aplastic anemia, your doctor may recommend antiviral or antibiotic medications to avoid infections. If you have aplastic anemia, you should get medical attention right away since any infection symptoms might be fatal.
Other Treatments
Aplastic anemia caused by chemotherapy or radiation usually improves once treatment stops. Pregnancy-related aplastic anemia is either treated with blood transfusions or becomes better after giving birth.
Booking an appointment with Dr. Barbara in Dubai ensures expert evaluation and personalized care for aplastic anemia and related blood disorders. Schedule your consultation today to receive an accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and compassionate hematology care tailored to your health needs.