Red blood cells are an important component of the blood as they contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Disorders that affect red blood cells can lead to complications that affect the overall health and well-being of adults. This article looks at some of the common complications associated with red blood cell disorders.

Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition that arises when there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Anemic adults experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness.

It can be caused by a number of factors including iron deficiency, pregnancy, and chronic infections. Treatment usually involves iron supplements, blood transfusions, and addressing underlying health conditions.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells. In individuals with sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are abnormally shaped, which makes them break down easily, leading to a shortage of red blood cells in the body.

This can lead to severe pain, infections, organ damage, and stroke. Treatment involves medications, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and managing symptoms.

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta. The symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, weakness, jaundice, and a shortness of breath.

Treatment may involve blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and managing associated complications.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that affects clotting factors in the blood. Adults with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery, and may also experience spontaneous bleeding episodes.

Treatment for hemophilia includes clotting factor replacement therapy, management of bleeding episodes, and genetic counseling for family planning.

G6PD Deficiency

G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. In individuals with G6PD deficiency, the red blood cells are unable to protect themselves against harmful toxins and chemicals, leading to their destruction.

Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine. Treatment involves avoiding triggers such as certain foods and medications, and managing symptoms.

Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder that leads to the overproduction of red blood cells. This can lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.

Treatment involves managing symptoms, blood thinning medications, and phlebotomy to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body.

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a medical condition that arises when there is an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells. It can be caused by a number of factors including autoimmune disorders, infections, or exposure to toxins.

Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen. Treatment involves managing the underlying cause, blood transfusions, and medications to help reduce the rate of destruction of red blood cells.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare medical condition that arises when the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Symptoms include fatigue, infections, and a weakened immune system.

Treatment involves medications such as immunosuppressants, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that leads to the accumulation of iron in the body. This can lead to complications such as liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and joint pain.

Treatment involves regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and managing associated complications.

Iron Overload

Iron overload is a medical condition that arises when there is an excessive amount of iron in the body. It can be caused by a number of factors including hereditary hemochromatosis, multiple blood transfusions, and excessive iron supplementation.

Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and an enlarged liver. Treatment involves iron chelation therapy, blood removal, and managing associated complications.