What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Aplastic
Anemia?
Most of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia
are caused by low numbers of each of the three main types of blood
cellsred blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Other signs and
symptoms are not linked to a shortage of any particular blood cell type.
Too Few Red Blood Cells
The most common symptom of a low red blood cell
count is low energy and feeling tired. This is caused by lack of enough
hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein contained in red blood cells that carries
oxygen to the body. A lack of enough oxygen in the blood can cause people to
feel short of breath and dizzy, especially when standing up. Since the heart
must work harder to circulate the reduced amount of oxygen, symptoms also can
include a rapid or irregular heartbeat or an extra or unusual sound heard
during the heartbeat (heart
murmur).
The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its
red color. Lack of hemoglobin due to a low red blood cell count can lead to
pale skin, gums, and nail beds.
Too Few White Blood Cells
White blood cells help fight infections. Signs and
symptoms of a low white blood cell count are fevers, frequent infections which
can be severe, and flu-like illnesses that linger.
Too Few Platelets
People who do not have enough platelets tend to
bruise and bleed easily, and the bleeding may be hard to stop. Common types of
bleeding related to too few platelets include nosebleeds, bleeding gums,
pinpoint red bleeding spots on the skin, and blood in the stool. Women also may
have heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other Signs and Symptoms
Aplastic anemia can cause other signs and symptoms
as well. Some occur in the area of the head. These signs and symptoms include
headache, tender sinuses, and white patches in the mouth (oral thrush). Other
signs and symptoms are nausea and rash. A person with aplastic anemia also may
have an enlarged spleen or liver.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
About one-third of people with aplastic anemia have
a condition called paroxysmal (par-ok-SIZ-mal) nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
This is a disorder of the red blood cells. Most people with PNH dont have
any signs or symptoms. If they do occur, they may include:
- A low number of red blood cells, which can lead
to shortness of breath
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen or swelling in
the legs caused by blood clots
- Blood in the urine
- Headache
- Jaundice (yellowish color of the eyes or
skin)
Some people have PNH first and then develop aplastic
anemia. But this process can also happen in reverse. People may have aplastic
anemia first and then develop PNH later. |