How to Prevent Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow condition that prevents the body from making enough red and white blood cells and platelets. You can prevent aplastic anemia by avoiding environments that expose you to certain chemicals, although it will only decrease your chance of developing the condition.

Instructions

Prevent Aplastic Anemia

• 1

  Follow the proper safety guidelines if your job requires you to work with the chemical benzene. This industrial chemical is widely used in various manufacturing and chemical plants. Avoid inhaling benzene to prevent aplastic anemia and various forms of cancer.

• 2

  Take care if you have to work with insecticides or pesticides. As a consumer, you should avoid buying foods that are treated with these chemicals. Direct exposure to pesticides and insecticides can increase your chance of developing aplastic anemia, but long-term exposure to small amounts can also trigger the condition.

• 3

  Wear a face mask whenever you have to do any painting or paint stripping. The fumes from these products can cause brain damage as well as bone marrow problems. Always paint outside or in a well-ventilated area to help prevent aplastic anemia.

• 4

  Limit your use of anti-inflammatories that contain phenylbutazone. This chemical has been linked to the development of aplastic anemia after long-term use of certain anti-inflammatories. Phenylbutazone is often given to race horses, so you need to avoid inhaling its powder if you treat horses with it.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about the risk of getting aplastic anemia after heavy radiation treatments, like chemotherapy. You can have blood work done early to help detect bone marrow damage and then take certain medicines to prevent aplastic anemia.

• 6

  Get the proper treatment if you have an autoimmune disorder. With chronic illnesses like lupus, there is always a risk that your immune system can attack and damage your bone marrow, which can lead to aplastic anemia. Be sure to see your doctor regularly if you have or used to have an autoimmune problem so you can look for early signs of bone marrow damage.