Anemias Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Anemias - Essay Example ; swollen hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome); frequent infections caused by weakened immune system; developmental delays, slowed growth, and delayed puberty; impaired vision (Mayo Clinic staff, 2011r) Aplastic anemia is ultimately caused by damage to the bone marrow, which shuts down or slows production of new blood cells. Can be caused by medications or an auto-immune disorder, but is often idiosyncratic (Mayo Clinic staff, 2011m) Fatigue; shortness of breath; irregular or rapid heartbeat; pale skin; frequent infections; unexplained bruising; prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding gums, and frequent nosebleeds; skin rash; dizziness; headache(Mayo Clinic staff, 2011n) The most difficult type of anemia to treat is aplastic anemia. This is due to the fact that in a large number of cases, the cause of aplastic anemia is unknown. Without knowing the cause, it cannot be effectively treated beyond symptomatic treatment through the use of blood transfusions. In other cases, the aplastic anemia is due to a life-saving medical treatment such as chemotherapy, or is the result of an auto-immune disorder. In both of those cases, the cause of the anemia really cant be removed and so the patient continues to suffer the anemia. Thankfully, aplastic anemia is extremely rare, so the chances of dealing with a patient suffering from untreatable deadly aplastic anemia are very slim (Mayo Clinic staff, 2011m). Mayo Clinic staff. (2011g, March 4). Iron Deficiency Anemia - Tests and Diagnosis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia/DS00323/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis Mayo Clinic staff. (2011h, March 4). Iron Deficiency Anemia - Treatments and Drugs. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia/DS00323/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs Mayo Clinic staff. (2011j, March 4). Vitamin Deficiency Anemia - Symptoms. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from