Depending on the case, the cause of aplastic anemia in each person is different and the condition can also affect everyone differently as well. Aplastic anemia is a condition of the blood that a can affect the cavity of the bones and the red, spongy material known as bone marrow within the human body.

Within the bone marrow are stem cells that work closely with one another to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In order to replace the older blood cells that are existent in the body, the bone marrow is required to constantly produce new healthy blood cells. For those suffering from aplastic anemia, the condition has a negative effect on how these blood cells are produced and when the bone marrow begins to become damaged, the cell production can become slowed down or in some cases, erratic.

There are particular causes that doctors seem to be certain of in regards to how and why people develop aplastic anemia. However, there are also cases in which doctors can’t identify why a patient is having aplastic anemia symptoms and why they’re suffering from this sudden illness.

 The Causes Behind Aplastic Anemia

Below are some common factors that can potentially cause the bone marrow to become severely injured in a patient’s body, which can potentially lead to aplastic anemia:

• Radiation or Chemotherapy Treatments- With these types of treatment the cancer cells are hopefully killed off since they can have a damaging effect on healthy cells within the body
• Benzene Exposure- Benzene, which is a known carcinogen, can have fatal effects on those who are exposed through inhalation, handling or ingesting the chemical over an extended time period
• Medication Use- Some types of drugs, such as certain antibiotics and other medications can be behind the cause of aplastic anemia
• Autoimmune Disorder- Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause injury to your body and the bone marrow because it can start to attack healthy cells

A Rare But Risky Illness

Reports show that in the United States alone, an estimated 1,000 people are diagnosed with aplastic anemia each year. This number is larger in Asian countries aplastic anemia is more common. Aplastic anemia is more likely to happen to people who:

• Have been exposed to benzene and other toxic chemicals over an extended period of time
• Have autoimmune disorders and viruses like HIV and hepatitis
• Have some type of inherited disorder

Considering researchers have been studying the causes behind aplastic anemia for decades, there are now several effective treatments available for those with the illness, no matter what caused them to develop it.

Doctors will commonly treat aplastic anemia patients using strong medications, chemotherapy or even a blood transfusion. In more severe cases, patients are forced to have bone marrow transplant, which can be risky but in some case rid people of the illness.

If you or someone you love feel that you have been put at risk and could have aplastic anemia, please contact us today to speak with a trustworthy attorney who will give you the support and legal guidance you need and deserve.

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See Also:

• What is Benzene
• Treatment For Aplastic Anemia

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog