The cause of aplastic anemia may vary with each person and affects those individuals differently as well. A blood condition, aplastic anemia, can affect the bone cavities and the bone marrow of the human body.
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are produced in the marrow of the bone. The bone marrow must constantly produce new, healthy blood cells. Aplastic anemia affects the bone marrow and therefore has a negativer effect on the production of these blood cells.
Aplastic anemia development, in most cases, is clear to doctors in relation to the causes. There are some cases, however, where the cause of an individual’s illness and aplastic anemia symptoms is difficult to identify.
Causes Leading to Aplastic Anemia
Below are some common factors that can potentially cause the bone marrow to become severely injured in a patient’s body, which can potentially lead to aplastic anemia:
- Radiation or Chemotherapy Treatments – With these types of treatment the cancer cells are hopefully killed off since they can have a damaging effect on healthy cells within the body
- Benzene Exposure – Benzene, which is a known carcinogen, can have fatal effects on those who are exposed through inhalation, handling or ingesting the chemical over an extended time period
- Medication Use – Some types of drugs, such as certain antibiotics and other medications can be behind the cause of aplastic anemia
- Autoimmune Disorder – Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause injury to your body and the bone marrow because it can start to attack healthy cells
A Rare Disease
Roughly 1,000 people in the United States each year are diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia appears to be more common in Asian countries where the number of cases is higher. Aplastic anemia is more likely to happen to people who:
- Have been exposed to benzene and other toxic chemicals over an extended period of time
- Have autoimmune disorders and viruses like HIV and hepatitis
- Have some type of inherited disorder
Considering researchers have been studying the causes behind aplastic anemia for decades, there are now several effective treatments available for those with the illness, no matter what caused them to develop it. Commonly used treatments for aplastic anemia are chemotherapy, medication and blood transfusions. In more severe cases, patients are forced to have bone marrow transplant, which can be risky but in some case rid people of the illness.
If you or someone you love feel that you have been put at risk and could have aplastic anemia, please contact an experienced benzene attorney who will give you the support and legal guidance you need and deserve.