Human Blood: A Source of Life or Deadly Diseases?

 

Human Blood: A Source of Life and Deadly Diseases

Prof. Fida Ahmed Ph.D

Introduction

A broad spectrum of illnesses affecting blood and its constituent parts, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, are referred to as human blood diseases. The severity of these conditions might range from somewhat insignificant to fatal. It is essential to comprehend the risk factors linked to these illnesses to prevent them, discover them early, and treat them effectively. There are several deadly blood diseases but in this article, we will look at a few common blood disorders in humans, their risk factors, and possible treatments in this post.

1. Leukemia

One kind of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood is called leukemia, and it causes an abnormal production of white blood cells. Leukemia's precise etiology is unknown, however, several risk factors have been found
Genetic predisposition: Down syndrome and inherited genetic mutations are two examples of genetic disorders that raise the chance of leukemia development.
Radiation exposure: High-dose radiation is a known risk factor for leukemia. Examples of this include radiation therapy used to treat cancer and exposure to radiation from atomic bombs.
Chemical exposure: Extended exposure to some chemicals, like formaldehyde and benzene, has been associated with a higher risk of leukemia.

Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco smoke, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML), can raise a person's risk of leukemia.
Infections caused by viruses: A higher risk of leukemia has been linked to several viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1).

Leukemia preventive strategies concentrate on lowering exposure to recognized risk factors, such as quitting smoking and lowering exposure to radiation and dangerous chemicals. A healthy lifestyle and routine checkups with the doctor can also help in the early detection and prompt treatment of leukemia.

2. Anemia

Anemia is a disorder that lowers the blood's ability to carry oxygen because of a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Anemia comes in a variety of forms, each with unique risk factors and causes:
Iron deficiency anemia, Common risk factors include inadequate iron consumption, poor absorption, or persistent blood loss (such as menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding).
Anemia caused by a vitamin deficiency can result from inadequate consumption or absorption of certain vitamins, including vitamin B12 and folate.
Hemolytic anemia, There is a risk for conditions like autoimmune diseases, infections, and hereditary illnesses like sickle cell anemia that hasten the breakdown of red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia and damage to the bone marrow from exposure to specific chemicals, radiation, chemotherapy, or autoimmune illnesses result in a reduction in red blood cell formation.

3. Sickle Cell Anemia

A hereditary condition known as sickle cell disease is typified by aberrant hemoglobin, which results in the creation of red blood cells with a sickle shape. The following are risk factors for sickle cell disease:
Genetic inheritance: A kid must inherit two defective hemoglobin genes—one from each parent—to acquire sickle cell disease. This illness is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
Ethnicity: Although it can afflict persons from any ethnicity, sickle cell disease primarily affects those who are African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian in origin.

Family history: Carrying the faulty hemoglobin gene is more common in those with a history of sickle cell disease in their families.
Prenatal testing for couples at risk of having children with sickle cell disease, genetic counseling and testing for carriers, and early diagnosis and treatment of the illness through routine medical care are all examples of preventive interventions for sickle cell disease.

4. Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet counts in the blood are a defining feature of thrombocytopenia, a disorder that can raise bleeding risks. Thrombocytopenia risk factors include:
Medication: Thrombocytopenia is a side effect of several medications, including anticoagulants, chemotherapeutic treatments, and antibiotics.
Autoimmune disorders: When the immune system unintentionally targets platelets, as in the case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the platelet count is lowered.
Diseases: By impairing platelet survival or generation, viral diseases such as the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, and HIV can result in thrombocytopenia.
Bone marrow disorders: Diseases like leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or aplastic anemia that impact the bone marrow can cause a reduction in platelet production.
Avoiding drugs that are known to lower platelet counts, controlling underlying autoimmune diseases, and keeping oneself well to prevent infections are some preventive methods for thrombocytopenia.

5. Hemophilia

An uncommon hereditary condition called hemophilia is characterized by poor blood coagulation, which makes bleeding seem to last longer and bruise easily. The main cause of hemophilia is inheriting from one's parents an aberrant gene that produces clotting factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B). Given that hemophilia is a genetic condition, prenatal testing for impacted pregnancies and genetic counseling and testing for carriers before conception are part of the preventative strategy. Additionally, consequences related to hemophilia can be avoided with early diagnosis and appropriate management.

 

References:

1.      Wikipedia free encyclopedia.

2.      Google Scholars.

3.      Research articles.