The Effects of the Odd-Shaped Blood Cells on a Person's Health

Blood disorders define any abnormality with the blood, including abnormally or odd-shaped blood cells. Red blood cells carry vital oxygen and nutrients to all organs, tissues and cells of the body. Any abnormality in their shape affects their function. Understanding how abnormally shaped blood cells can affect your health encourages people to be aware of the benefits of various treatments which may improve blood health and body functions.

General Anemia

• Abnormally shaped blood cells in any form; white blood cells, also called leukocytes, platelets and red blood cells, often called erythrocytes may cause an inability of those cells to function properly. Anemia is a common blood disorder caused by damaged, inefficient or not enough red blood cells that carry important nutrients to the body's tissues. Abnormal blood cells of any type are at a high risk of destruction by the body, leaving too few to promote optimal health. Such conditions result in anemia, which may be caused by a number of factors, states the Mayo Clinic, including deficiencies in iron and vitamins. Symptoms of vitamin or mineral deficient anemia may include general fatigue, weakness and feeling of general malaise.

Sickle Cell Anemia

• While the red blood cells are normally round in shape, those diagnosed with sickle cell anemia display red blood cells shaped in a half-moon or sickle shape, severely decreasing their ability to carry oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. The sickle shape of the cells also makes them vulnerable to catching onto each other as they travel through the blood vessels, leading to clots that may cause narrowing of the vessel, resulting in reduced flow of blood to the area serviced by that blood vessel. Sickle cells also have a shorter life span than normal red cells, leaving the body anemic or lacking in red blood cell activity and function. Symptoms of sickle cell include increased muscle weakness, infections, jaundice and vision problems.

Mononucleosis

• Mononucleosis, more often called "mono" is an infectious condition caused by abnormally shaped white blood cells, responsible for protecting the body against infection. Most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus, mono is also known as the "kissing disease," as it's often spread by exchange of saliva. Symptoms of mono include but are not limited to fever, fatigue, rash, pain and sore muscles. While the virus may remain dormant in those exposed to the disease for the rest of their life, it's usually active for about four weeks. Antibiotics are not effective in treating mono, according to Family Doctor.org.