Changes

It is normal for blood cells to die. The lifespan of red blood cells is about 120 days. White blood cells live less than 1 day. Platelets live about 6 days. As a result, bone marrow must constantly make new blood cells. The term "anemia" is most often used to mean a condition in which a person’s number of red blood cells is too low or their red blood cells do not carry enough hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). However, in aplastic anemia, normal production of all blood cells—red cells, white cells, and platelets—slows or stops. This is because the stem cells have been damaged. The cause of this damage is often unknown.

It is normal for blood cells to die. The lifespan of red blood cells is about 120 days. White blood cells live less than 1 day. Platelets live about 6 days. As a result, bone marrow must constantly make new blood cells. The term "anemia" is most often used to mean a condition in which a person’s number of red blood cells is too low or their red blood cells do not carry enough hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). However, in aplastic anemia, normal production of all blood cells—red cells, white cells, and platelets—slows or stops. This is because the stem cells have been damaged. The cause of this damage is often unknown.

Effects of Aplastic Anemia on the Body

 

== Effects of Aplastic Anemia on the Body ==

A shortage of any one of the three main types of blood cells will have an effect on the body. In aplastic anemia, however, the body must cope with a shortage of all three types of blood cells. Severe aplastic anemia that is not treated promptly can be fatal.

A shortage of any one of the three main types of blood cells will have an effect on the body. In aplastic anemia, however, the body must cope with a shortage of all three types of blood cells. Severe aplastic anemia that is not treated promptly can be fatal.