Blood is transported around the body via the human circulatory system. During its journey, it provides every cell with oxygen and vital nutrients. Blood also aids in removing waste products from the continuous chemical processes that occur within the body daily.
However, various factors can disrupt the normal functioning of blood, leading to a group of medical conditions known as blood disorders. Understanding the causes of these disorders is crucial for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective blood disorder control.
There are various reasons why blood disorders develop, and the three main ones are linked to disease, diet, and environmental factors. Not all blood disorders can be prevented, but some can be treated to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of sufferers.
Blood diseases prevent blood cells from functioning properly. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets can all be affected. If the blood disorder affects the red cells, then their oxygen-carrying capacity is diminished, leading to symptoms such as fatigue from anaemia.
If a disorder affects the white blood cells, then the ability of these cells to fight infections such as viruses and bacteria can be compromised, making those with white blood cell disorders more susceptible to infections.
Normal blood platelets allow blood clotting to take place, and this helps to limit blood loss from open wounds such as cuts and other injuries that break through the protective barrier of the skin. Some disorders of the platelets leave sufferers at risk of severe blood loss in certain scenarios, such as serious accidents or when undergoing surgical procedures.
Various disorders that can affect red blood cells exist, including many different types of anaemia. Some, like sickle cell and thalassemia, are inherited. Disorders such as pernicious and megaloblastic anaemia are acquired.
There are two major types of white blood cell disorders, and these are known as proliferative and leukopenias disorders. Proliferative disorders are characterised by an increase in the number of white blood cells. This increase is, more often than not, a common reaction to infections. On rare occasions, such increases can be caused by some forms of cancer.
In leukopenias disorders, there is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. This can be caused by illness or medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Platelets are the blood cells that are responsible for making blood clots. These clots are created to help prevent excessive bleeding at injury sites. Disorders of platelets include thrombocythemia, when there are too many platelets in circulation, and thrombocytopenia, when there are too few.
There are also dysfunctional disorders where the platelet count is normal, but the platelets do not function properly.
In a world where some countries have a plentiful supply of food and others have next to nothing or just the basics, getting all the vital nutrients to create healthy blood cells can be a daily challenge.
Even in wealthy countries where there is enough food, a poor diet high in fat and sugar is often consumed instead of one that includes fresh fruit, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and good-quality protein.
Poor eating habits or not having even the basics available every day can increase the chances of some of the population developing anaemia due to a lack of certain vitamins and minerals.
The environment plays a crucial role in the health of the local population. It can also be a main cause of certain blood disorders, especially if the air is contaminated with certain toxic chemicals.
Whether from industry or traffic pollution, chemical contamination can increase the chances of developing certain blood cancers.
Other environmental factors that can increase the chances of developing blood disorders are linked to the geographical locations of a population and whether they are at risk from mosquitos that carry malaria and other illnesses.