Blood plays several essential activities in the body, such as oxygen transport, fighting infection, and nutrient supply. Therefore, maintaining a healthy blood count is necessary. Several diseases and conditions may lead to lower blood count that need immediate medical attention. In this article, we will delineate the functions of blood cells and the causes of lower blood counts. Furthermore, symptoms and treatment options of this clinical condition will be comprehensively discussed.
Blood transfers oxygen and nutrients to all the organs of the human body. On the other hand, it carries carbon dioxide and other waste products to the kidneys, digestive system, and lungs so that they can be excreted out. Blood also helps fight infections and carries hormones to the tissues. Blood consists of red blood cells (RBC), white blood (WBC) cells and platelets. RBC assists in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest part of the body, whereas WBC helps in fighting infection. Platelets plays pivotal role in blood clot and stops bleeding. Normal blood counts vary based on age, gender, and overall health. Abnormalities in these counts can indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.
Several factors can cause abnormal blood counts that reduce the populations of RBC, WBC, and platelets. Here, we will outline 5 major causes that contribute to distorting blood counts.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: If a person lacks several essential nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate, it may cause lower blood counts by reducing the production of blood cells.
- Chronic Diseases: Prolonged clinical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer could affect your blood counts.
- Bone Marrow Disorders: Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, so diseases affecting the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, such as myelodysplastic syndromes, leukaemia, and myelofibrosis, can hamper blood counts. Furthermore, environmental factors like exposure to toxins, radiation, and certain chemicals can damage the bone marrow, affecting blood cell production.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy, can impact blood cell production.
- Infections: Severe infections like sepsis can temporarily affect blood cell counts and make you ill.
- Autoimmune diseases: In this condition, the patient's immune cells do not recognize their own cells and attack them. Prolonged autoimmunity without treatment may lead to abnormal blood counts.
- Genetic disorders: In some cases, genetic conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia lead to abnormal blood counts due to inherited defects in blood cell formation. Identifying the underlying cause of abnormal blood counts is critical for designing effective treatment and management of the condition.
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of blood cell affected. Common symptoms include:
- Low RBCs (Anemia): Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
- Low WBCs (Leukopenia): Frequent infections, fever, and sores.
- Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia): Easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and petechiae (small red spots on the skin).
Regular blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring blood count abnormalities. A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the levels of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, assisting patients in taking a log of their blood cell population. Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause of the abnormality.
Treatment for abnormal blood counts depends on the underlying cause. As cancer is one of the major causes for abnormal blood count therefore in this section we have discussed about two medicines that help in treating abnormal blood counts in cancer patients. It may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, medical procedures.
Medications play a pivotal role in managing blood disorders. Some commonly prescribed medications include Jakavi 10mg Tablet, an anticancer medicine containing Ruxolitinib as its active ingredient. This medication is used to treat polycythemia vera chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. This therapeutic agent reduces spleen size and alleviates symptoms associated with these disorders. Similarly, Imalieva 400mg Tablet is also used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). This anticancer medicine inhibits the growth of cancer cells in the bone marrow, thereby improving blood counts.
Apart from medications, diet, exercise and avoiding toxins are observed to improve the blood counts. For instance, patients suffering from lower blood counts may intake a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support healthy blood cell production. Similarly, regular physical activity improves blood circulation and reduces inflammatory symptoms. During lower blood count conditions, patients are advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco intake.
Patients may follow comprehensive approaches, including medications and lifestyle changes, to alleviate the symptoms of lower blood counts. Doctors are recommending several next-generation medications to treat abnormal blood counts. By working closely with physicians and adhering to prescribed treatments, individuals can achieve better blood health and improve their overall quality of life.