Blood Disorders 2
Blood disorders can be very common and can also be very dangerous. If a person suspects that he or she has a blood disorder, he or she should see a doctor immediately. Most people do not know the symptoms or signs of a blood disorder, so any strange symptoms should be reviewed by a doctor. Regular check ups could also help in detecting a blood disorder. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and purpura simplex are only a few of many blood disorders that should be worrisome.
In the first scenario of the assignment, Amy, a four year old Caucasian female, is tired all the time, pale, and a picky eater. Her mother explains that she is a single mother to a large family and can only afford to feed Amy pasta, breads, and hot dogs. These symptoms show signs that Amy may have Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 and folate are required to make red blood cells. Consuming little or no meat can cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency. If this deficiency is treated by correcting the diet issues, symptoms will cease in a few days. Some people have a problem absorbing Vitamin B12 and if that is the case, he or she may need injections of Vitamin B12 every couple of months.
In the second scenario of the assignment, Marcus, a five year old African American, is taken to a new pediatrician and his mother informs the doctor that she carries the sickle cell trait and request that the doctor screen him for it. Sickle cell disease is inherited and most commonly affects African Americans. Instead of the red blood cells being round and flow easily, the red blood cells are crescent shaped and do not flow easily. The sickle cells also do not survive as
Blood Disorders 3
long as normal cells and can stick together and from blood clots. Symptoms of sickle cell disease can include severe infections, blockage of blood flow, joint pain, strokes, chest pain, anemia, and severe pain. Treatments of sickle cell disease could include opioid pain medications, anti inflammatory medications, antibiotics for infection, oxygen, and intravenous or oral fluids. In severe cases, transfusions of red blood cells may be required.
In the third scenario of the assignment, Richard has noticed that he bruises easily. He also noticed that small red marks around his eyes formed after he coughed. Purpura simplex is a vascular bleeding disorder. This disease usually affects women but may affect men as well. Purpura simplex is easy bruising. This is caused by abnormal dilation of existing or small vessels. Blood transfusions and iron therapy may be required if there is excessive blood loss.
In conclusion, blood disorders are not something that should be taken lightly. If a person suspects, for any reason, that he or she has a blood disorder, he or she should see a doctor immediately.