3 Most Dangerous Diseases That Affect The Blood

Our immune system made from a network of cells and chemicals. It keeps us protected from foreign bodies that may lead to disease. These cells are able to distinguish particles. They react only to those they consider foreign material. This action shields us from infection daily. But some diseases may overwhelm our system and cause irreparable damage. The top three diseases blood is compromised by are the following:

 AIDS

Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome is the most fatal disease to hit the modern world. It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus destroys the CD4 helper lymphocyte which is part of our immune system and it battles infectious diseases. The degeneration of this lymphocyte heralds the loss of our immunity to even the common cold. Infected individuals are weakened by diseases like tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (a rare lung disease), meningitis or encephalitis. Immunocompromised patients have to maintain anti-viral medications.

AIDS can destroy the whole body of an individual. When a person has no CD4 helper lymphocytes, cancers may develop due to stimulation by HIV. Some people with AIDS develop forms lymphoma or Kaposi's sarcoma (a tumor of the blood vessels). Because AIDS is fatal, it's important that doctors detect HIV infection as early as possible so a person can take medication to delay the onset of AIDS.

HIV and be transmitted by way of breast milk, blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The disease is spread by unprotected sex, sharing needles (tattoo needles included), increased risk caused by sexual contact with individuals infected with STDS (syphilis, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia or gonorrhea) and from an infected mother to her unborn fetus.

People with AIDS experience extreme fatigue or malaise, memory problems, rapid loss of weight, chronic diarrhea, fevers that occur for weeks for no reason, heavy sweating at night time, a persistent cough, skin rashes (may include mouth, genital or anal sores), white spots on the mouth or throat, serious vaginal yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease.

The medical community has developed drugs to inhibit it. Although these drugs have managed to slow down the progress of this illness, there is still no way to cure this fatal disease

 SEPTICEMIA

Septicemia (blood poisoning), is a deadly infectious disease. It is caused by bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the blood stream). This can be caused by bodily infections. It is usually caused by infections which involve the abdomen, lungs or urinary tract. They may also be caused by diseases that wreak havoc on the central nervous system (meningitis), the heart (endocarditis) or the bone (osteomyelitis). Compromised individuals may exhibit symptoms like chills, rapid breathing, fevers and a rapid heart rate. If left untreated, it may lead to ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), septic shock or death.

Shock, fever, hypothermia, low blood pressure, mental inconsistencies and clotting problems follow the symptoms.

Septicemia requires a patient to be admitted. Fluids and antibiotics are given by way of IV. Plasma or blood transfusion may also be required to normalize clotting levels.

Individuals who have close contact with infected people may also require antibiotics to prevent catching the disease. Reduce your child’s risk of future infection with the HIB (Haemophilus influenzae B) vaccine and the S. Pneumoniae vaccine.

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition that may affect any age range and gender. It occurs when the hemoglobin of a person with blood type A becomes infected and turn sickle-shaped.

Our red bloods cells are mainly made out of hemoglobin. It is the carrier of oxygen in our blood. The normal lifespan is 110 – 130 days. Normally Hemoglobin A, is circular and appears spongy.

In people with sickle cell anemia, the lifespan of their hemoglobin is reduced by roughly 20 days. Hemoglobin S (the infected hemoglobin) starts clogging up the veins due to the altered shape. This means the good hemoglobin cannot pass through either. Therefore the organs derived of oxygenated blood cannot function and ultimately start to fail. The individual may experience sever bouts of pain and the likelihood of infection is increased.

This disease can be fatal when the bone marrow is compromised. It produces the red blood cells and this disease causes it to produce at a faster rate. If the red blood cells die before new ones are created, an aplastic crisis (the breakdown of the body) will occur. Constant failures may take a toll on the lungs, liver, kidneys, CNS and the bone.

This disease is cannot be spread by virus or bacteria. It is inherited from parent to child. Therefore, if both your parents have the disease, you will definitely have it as well. A blood test can be performed to discover who are in infected or just carriers of this disease.

People with sickle cell anemia usually experience fatigue/malaise, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, slow growth, jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, penile pain, chest pain, decreased fertility level and the presence of blood in urine samples.

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