10 Common Blood Problems – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor

10 Common Blood Problems – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor

Blood film of a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)

1. Anaemia

• What it is: A condition where the body has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or the red blood cells do not have enough haemoglobin (Hb), leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. It is a syndrome (group of diseases, each with a cause) not a specific diagnosis. You need to find out why the patient has anaemia, as the treatments are quite different.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness.
• When to Worry: If symptoms persist or worsen over time, or if you experience chest pain or severe weakness.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice persistent symptoms or if you have a family history of anaemia.

A normal haemoglobin level in a man and woman

• 130-170 g/L for a man
• 110-150 g/L for a woman.

What level of haemoglobin implies you have anaemia?

• Under 130 g/L for a man
• Under 110 g/L for a woman.

2. Haemophilia

• What it is: A genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. For most patients, it is caused by an inherited genetic mutation on the X chromosome that prevents the production of essential blood clotting factors, such as factor VIII (Haemophilia A).
• Symptoms: Prolonged bleeding after injuries, spontaneous bleeding into joints or muscles, frequent nosebleeds.
• When to Worry: If you experience prolonged bleeding that doesn’t stop or if you have a family history of haemophilia.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice unusual bleeding patterns or if you’re planning surgery.

4. Thalassemia / Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

• What it is: Genetic disorders affecting haemoglobin production, leading to a haemolytic anaemia (see below). People of African, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern, Central/South American, and Caribbean heritage are at a higher risk for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
• Symptoms: Fatigue, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, growth delays in children.
• When to Worry: If you have a family history of thalassemia/sickle cell disease,  or if your child shows signs of delayed growth.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice persistent anaemia symptoms or if you’re planning a family.

• What it is: A type of blood cancer that affects the immune system, specifically the lymphatic system.
• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats.
• When to Worry: If you notice persistent swelling in your lymph nodes or if you experience unexplained weight loss.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice any unusual symptoms or if you have a weakened immune system.

6. Multiple Myeloma

• What it is: A type of cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. It usually affects older people with a peak incidence at 70 years old.
• Symptoms: Bone pain, fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, anaemia.
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent bone pain or if you have a history of fractures.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice any unusual symptoms.

7. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• What it is: A blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside your body, usually in the legs.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg.
• When to Worry: If you experience severe pain or swelling in one leg, or if you have risk factors like recent surgery or prolonged immobility.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice any symptoms of DVT, especially if you have risk factors.

8. Haemolytic Anaemia

• What it is: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. There are many causes (including Thalassemia / Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) describesd above)
• Symptoms: Fatigue, pale skin, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine.
• When to Worry: If you notice persistent jaundice or dark urine.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms of anaemia or if you have a family history of haemolytic anaemia.

9. Thrombocytopenia

• What it is: A condition characterised by low platelet count, which can lead to bleeding. There are many causes including ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia; formerly Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura), which is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly destroys the body’s own platelets.
• Symptoms: Easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods.
• When to Worry: If you experience frequent or heavy bleeding.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice any unusual bleeding patterns or if you have a history of bleeding disorders.

10. Polycythaemia 

• What it is: A rare blood disorder that causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are many causes including Polycythaemia Rubra Vera (PV), which is a rare type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells; making the blood thicker than normal and increasing the risk of blood clots. Caused by a JAK2 gene mutation in most cases.
• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, itching, redness of the skin, blurred vision.
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent headaches or dizziness.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice any unusual symptoms or if you have a family history of blood disorders.