Disorders of Blood
| Home |Chapter: HAP - Haemopoietic System
Blood disorders affect the composition or function of RBCs, WBCs, platelets or clotting factors. They may cause excessive bleeding, infections, fatigue, or slow healing.
DISORDERS
OF BLOOD
Blood disorders affect the composition or
function of RBCs, WBCs, platelets, or clotting factors.
They may cause excessive bleeding,
infections, fatigue, or slow healing.
1. DISORDERS OF RED BLOOD CELLS
a. Anemia
Anemia is a condition where the body has too
few healthy RBCs or reduced hemoglobin, leading to decreased oxygen
transport.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Reduced
appetite
- Pale skin
Types of Anemia
|
TYPE |
CAUSE |
|
Iron deficiency anemia |
Low iron intake or poor absorption |
|
Thalassemia |
Genetic disorder causing defective
hemoglobin |
|
Megaloblastic anemia |
Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic
acid causing large, immature RBCs |
|
Hemolytic anemia |
Increased destruction of RBCs due to
genetic causes, infections (like malaria), or mechanical injury |
|
Aplastic anemia |
Bone marrow failure causing reduced RBC,
WBC, and platelet production |
b. Polycythemia
A condition where the body produces too
many RBCs, making blood thick and increasing the risk of clotting.
2. DISORDERS OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS
a. Leukocytosis
Increased
WBC count (>10,000/µL).
Occurs in infections, inflammation, and certain cancers.
Types:
- Neutrophilia – Elevated neutrophils
- Eosinophilia – Elevated eosinophils (due to
allergies, parasites)
- Leukemia – Cancer of blood-forming tissues
producing immature WBCs
b. Leukopenia
Low WBC count (<3500/µL)
Occurs due to viral infections, bone marrow damage, or drugs.
3. DISORDERS OF PLATELETS
Thrombocytopenia
A decrease in platelet count, causing:
- Easy
bruising
- Bleeding
gums
- Slow
clotting
4. DISORDERS OF CLOTTING
a. Hemophilia
An inherited disorder where the body lacks
certain clotting factors (commonly factor VIII).
Causes prolonged bleeding even after minor injuries.
b. Thrombosis
Formation
of abnormal blood clots inside blood vessels.
Can reduce blood flow and may lead to:
- Stroke
- Heart
attack
