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Signs & Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare condition that occurs when precursor cells in bone marrow decrease and fat replaces the marrow. A person can be born with the condition or a person acquires it later in life. Certain conditions such as pregnancy, medications and infections may trigger aplastic anemia. The treatments include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant and medications.

  1. Onset

    • The onset of aplastic anemia takes a gradual course. Weakness, a pale appearance and difficulty breathing on exertion are all symptoms of the early stages of aplastic anemia.

    Presenting Symptoms

    • Normally, abnormal bleeding is the first sign that something is wrong with individuals suffering from aplastic anemia. Approximately a third of people will present with bleeding symptoms.

    Additional Symptoms

    • A person may also experience fever, an infection of the throat or another form of sepsis. One form of abnormal bleeding is the appearance of skin hemorrhages or bruising.

    Internal Findings

    • A blood count result in a person with aplastic anemia may show deficiencies in some types of blood cells. Enlargement of glands and the spleen may be present.

    Physical Appearance

    • Other than bruising and pale skin, there are normally no physical symptoms of aplastic anemia.

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