About this topic
Your body has three types of blood cells. These are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Anemia happens when your body stops making the right amount of blood cells. Aplastic anemia happens when your body stops making the right amount of red and white blood cells and platelets all at the same time. This may happen all at once or over a long period of time. Aplastic anemia causes you to feel more tired. You may be more at risk for infection and bleeding problems. ‚
Your doctor treats this condition based on the cause. You may need drugs or to stop some drugs you are taking. Sometimes, a blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant is needed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure to get enough rest.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs. Tell your doctor before you take any new drugs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Avoid getting too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing your towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
- Get a flu shot each year.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Suppress your immune system
Will physical activity be limited?
You are more at risk of bleeding. Avoid contact sports. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent this problem. You may be at less risk if you avoid exposure to chemicals like paint remover and insecticides. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual or lengthy vaginal bleeding
- Faint rash over the arms, legs, or belly
- Broken blood vessels in the white of the eye
- Headache or blurred eyesight
- Black bowel movements or blood in the stool or toilet bowl
- Blood in your urine
- Dizziness
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to protect myself from germs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or feel dizzy.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/aplastic/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚