COMMON BLOOD DISORDERS

Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells (RBC). This is caused by the bone marrow’s ability to create RBC; conditions or infection that affects the production of RBC, iron and vitamin B poor nutrition; and bleeding.

Symptoms of Anemia:

• Pale skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty in concentration

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic blood condition where the clotting factor of blood is affected.

Symptoms of Hemophilia:

• Easy bruising
• Unexplained nose bleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Heavy bleeding from minor cuts during dental works
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding into joints
• Excessive bleeding following surgery

Erythrocytosis

Erythrocytosis is a condition where the body creates too much red blood cells (RBCs). This condition may also be called polycythemia. A condition where there is too much white blood cells and platelets in the blood. It may be caused by genetic mutations, certain diseases and medications, smoking, and living in high altitudes.

Symptoms of Erythrocytosis:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Itching
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Increased blood pressure
• Skin flushing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Pain in fingers

Leukopenia

Leukopenia is a condition where the blood has reduced white blood cells. This is caused by bone marrow conditions, auto-immune disorders, cancer and cancer treatment, certain medications, and malnutrition.

Symptoms of Leukopenia:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating

Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis is a condition where the blood has elevated levels of white blood cells. It is caused by infection, surgery, certain medications, certain illnesses, cancer, exercise, emotional stress, and smoking.

Symptoms of Leukocytosis depending on condition:

• Fever and pain or other symptoms at the infection site
• Fever, easy bruising, unintentional weight loss, and night sweating for leukemia and other cancers
• Hives, itchy skin, and rashes on skin caused by an allergic reaction
• Wheezing and difficulty in breathing due to an allergic reaction in your lungs

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a condition where the blood has a low platelet count. This is caused by bone marrow conditions, certain medications, or problems of the liver or spleen.

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia:

• Easy bruising
• Prolonged bleeding from wounds
• Frequent and prolonged bleeding of nose and gums
• Blood in stool or urine
• Prolonged and heavy menstrual flow

Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis is a condition where the blood contains a high platelet count. It is caused by bone marrow conditions or certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of Thrombocytosis:

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Pain in fingers

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer where abnormal white blood cells are rapidly produced by the bone marrow. The risk factors of developing leukemia are previous cancer treatments, genetic disorders, exposure to certain chemicals, smoking and family history of leukemia.

Symptoms of Leukemia:

• Fever or chills and other flu-like symptoms
• Persistent weakness and fatigue
• Frequent or severe infections
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Headaches
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen tonsils
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
• Excessive sweating, especially at night
• Bone pain
• Unintentional weight loss

How can our hospital help you?

Our Laboratory offers precise, accurate and efficient testing services for the initial diagnosis of hematologic disorders.

We offer the following tests:

• Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
• Bleeding time
• Blood typing (ABO & RH)
• Bone marrow smear (Wright’s Strain)
• Clotting time
• Clot Retraction Time (CRT)
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Differential count
  • Hemoglobin
  • Hematocrit
  • Platelet count
  • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
  • Red cell indices
  • White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
• Coomb’s test
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Lupus Erythematosus (L.E.) Preparation
• Malarial smear
• Peripheral smear
• Quantitative malaria
• Prothrombin Time (PT)
• Reticulocyte count
• Toxic granulation

You may call (046) 481-8000 or (02) 8988-3100 local 1207 for inquiries.

References:

1. American Society of Hematology
   1. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/bleeding-disorders
   2. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/leukemia
2. Philippine Council for Health and Research Development
   1. http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6404-september-is-blood-diseases-month
3. Mayo Clinic
   1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366
   2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378315
4. Healthline
   1. https://www.healthline.com/health/erythrocytosis
   2. https://www.healthline.com/health/leukocytosis#types
   3. https://www.healthline.com/health/leukopenia#diagnosis
   4. https://www.healthline.com/health/thrombocytopenia#symptoms
5. Facebook : Ohh My Blood by Dr. Anne Kristine H. Quero-Taggaoa
   1. https://www.facebook.com/OhhMyBloodPh/photos

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Disclaimer:

All content found on the DLSUMC website, including text, graphics, images, audio or other formats were created for general informational purposes only and are not intended or implied to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call your local emergency hotline immediately.