Blood disorders affect one or more parts of the blood, preventing the blood from completing its function. The human body consists of approximately five liters of blood, wherein the red blood cells are replaced every 120 days. Blood disorders can be either acute or chronic, and oftentimes inherited. There are many causes for disorders, which will be discussed later on.
Blood Composition leading to Blood Disorders
Blood is considered a connective tissue, typically involved in structure and support. It has two main components
- Plasma (55%)
- Clear extracellular fluid (liquid)
- Components:
- Proteins
- Enzymes
- Nutrients
- Wastes
- Hormones
- Gases
- Formed elements (45%)
- Have definite structure and shape
- Components
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): carries oxygen and nutrients and removes bodily metabolic wastes to and from the organs of the body
- White blood cells (leukocytes): fights off infections
- Platelets (thrombocytes): assist in blood coagulation
Types of Blood Disorders
Blood disorders usually affect one of the three components of formed elements in blood. However, the plasma may also be affected by blood disorders. These blood disorders are may be for a short while or extended period of time. Some of the following common blood disorders will be mentioned:
- Affecting Red Blood Cells
- Anemia: low number of red blood cells
- Iron deficiency anemia: low iron in the body, which is needed for erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells)
- Pernicious anemia: deficiency of the body preventing body absorption of vitamin B12
- Sickle cell anemia: changes shape of red blood cells and prevents blood flow
- Malaria: infection wherein there is parasite transmission to the blood affecting red blood cells
- Affecting White Blood Cells
- Lymphoma: development of cancer from lymph system, usually beginning with a white blood cell becoming malignant
- Leukemia: abnormal increase of immature white blood cells
- Multiple myeloma: plasma cell, a type of white blood cell, becomes malignant and multiplies and discharges damaging substances
- Affecting Platelets
- Thrombocytopenia: low number of platelets in the body
- Essential thrombocytosis: high number of platelets in the body
- Affecting Plasma
- Sepsis: blood poisoning due to high number of bacteria in the blood
- Hemophilia: inability of blood to clot, a genetic disorder
- Deep venous thrombosis: blood clot in deep vein, which may lead to pulmonary embolism
Treatment for Blood Disorders
Treatment for blood disorders will vary on the impairment it causes
to the body and health. Some blood disorders may require antibiotics, drug prescription blood transfusion, chemotherapy, etc.
Blood is essential to life. The constant flow of blood through the body is what delivers the essential gases and nutrients to their respective locations. Once the heart stops pumping, cells begin to die within a few minutes. Understanding the different blood disorders can be of advantage when taking first aid training.