Human body has about 5-6 liters of blood. Each drop of blood has several types of cells and plasma which contains hundreds of crores of protein molecules that perform diverse functions. Illness due to a defect in any of these components is called a blood disease. Hematology is the study of human blood diseases.
Our experts have also made this list of important questions and things to know about blood diseases. Click on any topic to read more:
What are the different components (parts) of blood?
1. Red blood cells (erythrocyte): Carry oxygen to different parts of body.
2. White blood cells: Help protect against infections and cancers.
3. Platelets: Help with blood clotting.
4. Plasma: Liquid part of blood. Helps carry proteins and other substances from one part of the body to another. Also important for blood clot formation.
Examples of common blood diseases
Iron-deficiency Anemia – Iron is a key part of hemoglobin that’s present in the red blood cells and its deficiency can result in anemia. Sometimes, iron deficiency anemia can be a sign of undiagnosed cancer, and a thorough workup is necessary for all patients.
Aplastic Anemia – Anemia occurring when bone marrow fails to produce enough of all three types of blood cells: red cells, white cells, and platelets.
Sickle Cell Anemia – Inherited disease which leads to abnormal shaped RBCs in the blood stream. Clumps of sickle cells block blood flow to the limbs and organs, and can cause pain, serious infection, and organ damage.
Thalassemia – A hereditary blood disorder affecting hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen.
White Blood Cell Disorders
Pre-leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelofibrosis are discussed in the on our website.
Platelet/Bleeding/Clotting Disorders
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) – Immune-system releated destruction of platelets that results in bleeding and easy bruising.
Essential Thrombocytosis – A disorder of platelets overproduction, which can lead to both blood clotting and bleeding.
Blood Clotting Disorders – Problems affecting the ability to clot blood, leading to excessive bleeding or excessive clotting.
Hemophilia – An inherited or acquired bleeding disorder caused by a problem in one of the proteins involved in blood clotting.
Hemochromatosis – A disorder of iron overload in the body. If untreated, diabetes, heart disease and liver failure can result.
How is my blood disease treated?
Because every blood disorder is treated differently, a consultation with an expert Hematologist is absolutely essential in most cases.
Is my blood disease curable?
Because every blood disorder has different prognosis, a consultation with an expert Hematologist is absolutely essential in most cases. Just because you have a blood disease doesn’t mean life will be worse. When motivated patients like you are treated by experts like us, there’s hope.
Don’t wait for complications… take the first step in the right direction now!