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Aplastic Anemia
Urgent
Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. Because red cells, white cells, and platelets may all be reduced, the condition can cause tiredness, frequent infections, easy bruising, or bleeding. Severity varies, and severe disease requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Aplastic anemia requires prompt medical assessment because reduced blood-cell production can lead to serious infection, bleeding, and anemia. Seek urgent care for fever, signs of infection, unusual or persistent bleeding, severe weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency assessment is needed for severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe infection, or other signs of medical instability.
Symptoms
3
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. Because red cells, white cells, and platelets may all be reduced, the condition can cause tiredness, frequent infections, easy bruising, or bleeding. Severity varies, and severe disease requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms 3
Fatigue
Grinding Teeth During Sleep
Weakness
Causes 3
Aplastic anemia develops when blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow are damaged or destroyed. Possible causes include certain medicines, toxic chemicals such as benzene, radiation, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, and some viral infections. In many people, no specific cause can be identified, and the condition is then called idiopathic aplastic anemia.
Autoimmune Disorder
Chronic Disease
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk of aplastic anemia may increase with exposure to certain toxic chemicals or medicines, radiation or chemotherapy, some viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy. However, many cases have no identifiable cause. The presence of a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop the condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of aplastic anemia involves blood tests showing reduced numbers of blood cells and evaluation of the bone marrow. A complete blood count and examination of blood cells can identify low red cells, white cells, and platelets. Bone marrow examination may be performed to assess blood-cell production and distinguish aplastic anemia from other causes of low blood counts.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Aplastic anemia cannot always be prevented because many cases have no identifiable cause
When possible, avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals known to damage bone marrow and follow appropriate safety precautions at work
Medicines that can affect blood-cell production should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional
Prompt evaluation of unexplained bleeding, infections, or severe fatigue is important
Prevention Guidance
Aplastic anemia cannot always be prevented because many cases have no identifiable cause. When possible, avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals known to damage bone marrow and follow appropriate safety precautions at work. Medicines that can affect blood-cell production should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional. Prompt evaluation of unexplained bleeding, infections, or severe fatigue is important.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Iron Rich Foods
Supports blood health.
Leafy Greens
Provides nutrients.
Protein Rich Foods
Supports recovery.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May impair bone marrow function.
Processed Foods
Provides poor nutrition.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A disorder where bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells.
Fatigue, weakness and frequent infections.
Through blood tests and bone marrow examination.
Yes, severe cases can be life-threatening.
Medications, transfusions and bone marrow transplant.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.