The transportation of many substances in the body, especially oxygen, nutrients and hormones, takes place through the blood circulation. The cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream are called red blood cells (erythrocytes), the cells responsible for immunity are called white blood cells (leukocytes), and the cells responsible for clotting are called platelets. Conditions that negatively affect these cells and their functions are referred to as blood disorders. Medicana Avcılar Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist, Specialist. Dr. Adnan Özdolap gave detailed information about various blood diseases.
What are Blood Diseases?
Dr. Adnan Özdolap said, “Any condition that negatively affects the number of cells in the circulatory system and the functions they perform can be considered as blood diseases. For example, situations that result in a decrease in the number of red blood cells called erythrocytes and therefore a decrease in the amount of oxygen carried in the blood cause the blood disease known as anemia. Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main conditions that can cause the number of cells to decrease. Anemia may occur in case of deficiencies in vitamins such as folic acid and B12, which are necessary for the production of these cells in the bone marrow. The iron-containing protein structure called hemoglobin located in erythrocytes; It is involved in transporting oxygen between the lungs, heart and tissues. Therefore, if the body does not receive enough iron through nutrition, hemoglobin cannot be produced and anemia occurs. In thalassemia, another hemoglobin-related blood disease, the source of the problem is the hemoglobin molecule produced in an abnormal structure. "Thalassemia disease, which occurs as a result of a mutation in the genes related to hemoglobin production, is among the genetic diseases that are transmitted in families," he said.
Decreased Platelet Count is Risky
Some DNA mutations occur in the bone marrow. It may result in excessive production of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Dr. Adnan Özdolap emphasized that caution should be exercised as decreased blood fluidity in this disorder, referred to as polycythemia vera, may result in a tendency to clot. In blood diseases that cause problems with blood circulation, the main cells affected are platelets. If the number of platelets drops well below normal, excessive bleeding may occur due to delayed clotting, even in minor trauma. At the same time, the decrease in platelet count puts the person at risk for internal bleeding. In addition to a decrease in the number of platelets, a blood disease called hemophilia occurs in the absence of various protein factors required for these cells to perform their clotting function. Hemophilia, which is characterized by a tendency to bleeding, is among the genetically transmitted diseases such as thalassemia. If the number of platelets is much higher than normal, there is a tendency for clotting. Clots that may form in large vessels are important because they can block blood circulation to structures such as the heart and brain, resulting in conditions such as stroke or heart attack. ‘’
Excessive Sweating and Enlargement of Lymph Nodes May Be Symptoms of Leukemia
Dr. Özdolap said, "In cases where the number of white blood cells, which are an important part of the immune system, decreases, body resistance decreases and susceptibility to infectious diseases increases. A decrease in the number of white blood cells, called leukopenia, may occur in various diseases affecting the bone marrow, if the spleen is overactive, or after chemotherapy treatment. An increase in the number of leukocytes above normal can be seen in the blood cancer disease called leukemia. However, in leukemia, white blood cells, which constantly divide in the bone marrow and increase in number much higher than normal, cannot function fully. He underlined that excessive sweating, especially at night, and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck or armpit area are findings that require further investigation to indicate the presence of leukemia in the person.
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