Aplastic anemia is a rare condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. Common findings in aplastic anemia include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and a low number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Fatigue is one of the most common findings in aplastic anemia, due to a lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. A decrease in the number of red blood cells causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the tissues, resulting in fatigue.
Paleness is another common finding in aplastic anemia. This occurs because of the decrease in the number of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that gives red blood cells their color. Without sufficient hemoglobin, the skin and mucous membranes appear pale.
Shortness of breath is another symptom of aplastic anemia that can be attributed to the decrease in the number of red blood cells. Without adequate oxygen delivery, the body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs, leading to shortness of breath.
Easy bruising is a common finding in aplastic anemia due to a decrease in the number of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. Without enough platelets, the blood cannot clot properly, leaving the patient prone to easy bruising.
Finally, a low number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets is a common finding in aplastic anemia. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues, white blood cells are responsible for fighting infection, and platelets are responsible for blood clotting. Without adequate numbers of these blood cells, the body is at risk for a number of serious complications.