Someone receives an aplastic anemia diagnosis when the bone marrow in the body produces too few of each type of blood cell. There are three types of blood cells in the human body, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. When there is a reduced amount of red blood cells, the hemoglobin drops, with a reduced amount of white blood cells, the patients becomes susceptible to infection. And, with a reduced amount of platelets, the blood clots easily. Combined, all of these will likely lead to an aplastic anemia diagnosis.

Causes of Aplastic Anemia

Receiving an aplastic anemia diagnosis is never an easy thing; however, it’s important for both patient and doctor to be informed about the causes behind the diagnosis. There are multiple causes for aplastic anemia and unfortunately, some of them are idiopathic. Idiopathic means that the illness occurred sporadically with no known reasons. Known causes could include the following:

• Known history of specific infectious diseases, like hepatitis and Epstein-Barr virus
• History of taking certain medications, such as antibiotics
• Exposure to certain toxic chemicals like benzene
• Exposure to radiation
• Inherited condition

Aplastic anemia can be either inherited or acquired and in some cases people develop the illness without even realizing they are at risk. A common example of this is when people are unknowingly exposed to benzene, a known carcinogen contained in gasoline, dyes and cigarettes.

Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia

There are various symptoms that have led to an aplastic anemia diagnosis. Though each individual could experience different symptoms, some common ones include:

• Dizziness and nausea
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Bruising

Since the symptoms of aplastic anemia are similar to those of other medical conditions, it’s important to always consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.

How to Diagnose Aplastic Anemia

In order to properly diagnose aplastic anemia, the doctor will need a medical history along with a physical examination. In addition, patients will need to have blood tests done and a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.

Treating Aplastic Anemia

After receiving an aplastic anemia diagnosis, physicians will have a better idea of what the cause of your condition was, how long your body has been enduring this health problem and what the best form of treatment will be. The kind of treatment a patient who receives an aplastic anemia diagnosis will receive is dependent on various factors, including their:

• Age
• Health
• Medical History
• Extent of the disease

Since receiving an aplastic anemia diagnosis is not an easy thing, it’s also suggested that patients receive supportive therapy. In supportive therapy, which is offered to both patients and their families, patients can receive support and guidance from medical specialists and others who are also living with aplastic anemia.

Did you recently receive an aplastic anemia diagnosis? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced and trustworthy attorney from Burke-Eisner to receive the legal support and guidance you need and deserve.

Three ways to Contact Us:

    --  Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.

    --  Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page

    --  Call us:  1-800-838-0800

See Also:

• What is Benzene
• Treatment For Aplastic Anemia

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog