A blood disease affects the blood and blood-producing tissues. This includes anemias and cancers as well as clotting diseases like hemophilia. Symptoms of blood diseases vary, and are often vague and non-specific. However, per the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, certain groups of symptoms might suggest the possibility of a blood disease. These symptoms may indicate one of three conditions: an decrease in blood cells, an increase in blood cells or a clotting disorder.
The blood of a person who has never had CMV (cytomegalovirus) will test negative for antibodies to the infection and will be described as having CMV-negative blood. Interestingly, many people who contract CMV never know they have it.
Proteins are nutrients necessary for the structure of cells, tissues and organs, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Low blood protein or protein deficiency is typically a sign of an underlying disease and has the potential to cause serious health problems.
Thalassemia is a potentially life-threatening genetic disease. There are two different types--alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia--that are further classified according to the severity of the condition. People with thalassemia may experience mild to sever anemia.
Blood disorders and diseases tend to be nonspecific in their exhibition of symptoms. One lone, specific symptom will not be an indicator of a blood disease; however, groups of symptoms together can suggest a possible blood disorder.
Cholesterol is part of our everyday language. But chylomicrons? When was the last time you heard that term mentioned in relation to heart disease? Yet as an indicator of potential heart disease, levels of chylomicrons are just as important as cholesterol.
Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a genetically inherited mental condition that is characterized by severe mood swings. During a bipolar cycle, an individual will oscillate between episodes of mania, typified by feelings of euphoria, indestructibility and extreme energy, and episodes of deep depression. The age of onset for bipolar disorder is around 18-years-old, and it is most often treated with a regimen of anti-depressants and lithium. Bipolar disorder is not identified through blood tests.
Cord blood cells can be used to treat many forms of cancer: Leukemia Lymphoma Brain tumors Ewing Sarcoma Neuroblastoma Renal Cell Carcinoma Ovarian Cancer Small-Cell Lung Cancer Testicular Cancer Thymoma