How to Recognize Signs of Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia happens when bone marrow stops producing as many stem cells as the body needs. This halts or reduces the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Learn to recognize the signs of aplastic anemia.

Instructions

1. Inspect your skin often. Increased bleeding, appearance of red spots and bruising may indicate the need for additional testing to assure that you do not have anemia.

2. Pay attention to any increase in shortness of breath, fatigue or dizziness. Keep track of when and where these symptoms occur. Make sure you let your physician know the details.

3. Remember that many patients with aplastic anemia also have a disorder called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, which manifests itself in broken red blood cells found in urine. Be alert to changes in your urine, especially small flecks of blood and relay these signs to your physician.

4. Note the color and pallor of your skin. Patients with aplastic anemia have pale skin, along with decreased pinkness of the lips, the lining of the eyelids and nail beds. These changes happen gradually so they may be noticed more readily by people you don't see everyday.

5. Recognize signs of leg swelling due to the formation of blood clots. Other frequent symptoms found in people with aplastic anemia include shortness of breath, headache or yellowed eyes. These symptoms can indicate a decreased immune response.

6. Report any type of abnormal bleeding of your gums or mouth which may be indications of a bleeding abnormality.

7. Bring any medical records or lab tests to your physician for review. Hematologists specialize in disorders of the blood.